Slipper test for Veranillo at Rosehill

A cautious approach is being taken with Veranillo ahead of his major test in Saturday’s G2 Silver Slipper Stakes at Rosehill, despite the colt being unbeaten in his only two starts.

With much of the attention in Australian racing now focused on the major juvenile races, Veranillo (John O’Shea/Brenton Avdulla) has emerged as one of Godolphin’s better prospects for the G1 Golden Slipper Stakes, the world’s richest two-year-old event.

Trainer John O’Shea is suitably impressed with Veranillo who won on debut last November and scored again on his resumption two weeks ago, producing a convincing effort to win after being headed with 200m to run.

But he is waiting on Saturday’s race to get a gauge on the colt’s place among the juvenile ranks.

“I am a bit perplexed with him,” O’Shea admitted.

“We’re really happy with where he’s at …. the only thing is that he hasn’t run time yet.”

If he is to get into the finish on Saturday, Veranillo will need to address that concern.

The Silver Slipper is clearly the best two-year-old race of the Australian season so far, with the top Golden Slipper prospects She Will Reign and Khan engaged.

Khan has continued to impress since winning the Breeders’ Plate last September at his only start, while She Will Reign has produced stunning performances both at the races and on the training track.

The filly won her first start by more than eight lengths, her second by four and has since won a barrier trial by nine lengths.

“We’ll know where we stand with Veranillo after Saturday,” O’Shea said.

Another promising youngster came to light for the O’Shea stable at Randwick on Wednesday with the storming run into second place of Savatiano in the Chris Toogood Handicap.