Impressive Golden Rose Victory For Exosphere

Exosphere stormed clear for an easy victory in the Group One De Bortoli Wines Golden Rose Stakes over seven furlongs at Rosehill Gardens, Australia, on Saturday, September 12.

The three-year-old Lonhro colt, trained by John O'Shea and ridden by James McDonald, had a dream run in the eight-strong race.

Exosphere was held up on the inside and settled in fifth place, progressing to fourth before the turn for home.

He made rapid progress passing the quarter-mile pole and led before the distance, quickly going clear and was allowed to coast home in the closing stages, winning by two and a quarter lengths from Speak Fondly in a new race record of 1m 21.83s on good ground.

The other two Godolphin runners, Shards (Joao Moreira) and Holler (Sam Clipperton), both also trained by John O'Shea, finished seventh and eighth.

John O'Shea said: "As they came out of the corner, a gap opened up for Exosphere and he showed his devastating turn of foot to shoot through and break clear.

"At the 250-metre point, he kicked away, covering the final 600 metres in a very fast time of 33.69s.

"It was a tremendous performance - I was really happy with him. He has pulled up well and we can now look at what we do with him going forward.

"I haven't trained too many better - and he was only having his sixth start.

"We have always thought very highly of this colt and he was able to give people a demonstration of the special talents he has shown us at home.

"He is growing into himself, is by this great sire Lonhro that the boss has and is in for a great season. He is very hard to run down.

"He has great international appeal and you never know where he is going to end up.''

Exosphere's target could be the Caulfield Guineas (Group One) over a mile on October 10.

James McDonald commented: "Exosphere is a super colt, unbelievable.

"The race went through my head many a time, I said to John, 'I wish I drew barrier nine instead of one', but as it turns out you cannot really worry about that stuff.

"I let the horse do it and I just tried to sit there and look good."