Home Of The Brave brings his best form to Rosehill

Home Of The Brave reproduced his brilliant British sprint form to record and opened his Australian account with a victory in Saturday’s G2 Theo Marks Stakes at Rosehill that has opened the door on a rich selection of races.

Taken straight to the front by jockey Glyn Schofield, the six-year-old maintained a strong gallop for the first 1000m of the 1500m race, had a breather before turning for home and was called on again after straightening.

Home Of The Brave responded strongly and was comfortably holding his opposition on the line, scoring by two lengths from D’Argento and the multiple G1 winner Trapeze Artist.

The win led to immediate discussion on a run in the next month’s The Everest.

Godolphin race-day operations manager Darren Beadman said the team would examine various options for Home Of The Brave who would be a candidate for one of the final two Everest 'slots'.

But at this stage Beadman said Cummings was considering a G1 Melbourne spring target.

"James has mentioned the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes as an option," Beadman said.

"He is a horse that runs with purpose so a race like the Everest would be suitable and there are options for him."

Schofield said his main concern in the run was the comfort of his horse on the heavy Rosehill track.

"For the majority of the race I just tried to keep him happy without trying to fight him too much, but without letting him run too hard," Schofield said.

"Conditions are trying and testing, he got through them really well and congratulations to James and the team."

"He's got a lot of spunk about him. His foot is always on the accelerator, he wants to go, but he's got ability to go with it, which is great."

Home Of The Brave had won six races in England and had his first Australian start at Flemington three weeks ago, finishing second over 1200m.