News

Rostova ready to cement Slipper spot

23rd Mar 2009

Racing Victoria](http://www.racingvictoria.net.au/news/rvl/n_Rostova_ready_to_cement_Slipper_spot.aspx) - Tuesday, 24th March 2009

Outstanding Victorian filly Rostova will trial at Randwick on Friday as connections ready themselves to pay a $150,000 late entry fee for the $3.5 million Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill on 4 April.

Rostova, an effortless winner of four of her five starts, is likely to clash with Arrowfield Stud Blue Diamond Stakes winner Reward For Effort in the trial. Rostova started favourite in the Blue Diamond Stakes but ran fifth after she was found to have swallowed her tongue.

“If she comes through the trial well we’ll be paying up straight away,” said trainer Steve Richards.

“I think it’s the best option. I think the trial at Randwick will be just perfect. It fits in better. All is in order. She galloped terrific last Saturday morning. She hasn’t missed a beat.”

The deadline for Golden Slipper late entries is 11am next Monday. Rostova, which hasn’t raced since thrashing her opposition in the Group 2 Sires Produce Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on 7 March, is yet to race the Sydney way of going but Richards says her trackwork since arriving in Sydney a week ago has been perfect.

“She’s taken to it like a duck to water, like she’s been doing it all her life,” said Richards.

Rostova is currently third favourite for the Golden Slipper behind More Joyous and Blue Diamond runner-up Real Saga.