Shinzo & Cylinder Face Off In The Golden Rose Stakes

The highly anticipated US$1 million Golden Rose Stakes is set to take place as the first Group One race of the Sydney Everest Carnival. The race is headlined by the top two contenders, Shinzo and Cylinder, who finished first and second in the prestigious Longines Golden Slipper earlier this year.

Shinzo, the Golden Slipper champion, is returning to racing after a successful campaign in March. He won the Pago Pago Stakes just a week before his Golden Slipper victory, securing his spot in the race. With jockey James McDonald committed to Godolphin, owners Coolmore enlisted the internationally renowned Ryan Moore to ride Shinzo.

Moore, who traveled from Ireland, delivered a masterful ride on Shinzo in the Golden Slipper, crossing the finish line 1¼ lengths ahead of Cylinder in a time of 1-09.65sec over 1200m. In a remarkable weekend, Moore also filled in for an injured jockey and won the Ranvet Stakes on Dubai Honour before claiming the Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Now, coming off a victory in the Irish Champion Stakes aboard Auguste Rodin, Moore is set to ride Shinzo from Barrier 10 in the Golden Rose. On the other hand, James McDonald will be aboard Cylinder, starting from Barrier 6.

Cylinder's Dominance Continues: Favorite Enters Golden Rose With Impressive Record

Cylinder enters the Golden Rose as the favorite, having won the Run to The Rose, the traditional lead-up race to the Golden Rose. Before that, he won the Vain Stakes over 1100m and the Todman Stakes over 1200m. Cylinder's success is a testament to the growth of Australian racing and its impact on the breeding industry.

The Golden Rose Stakes, originally initiated by Mr. Bill Picken, has become a significant race in Australian racing. The race series concludes with the Golden Eagle 1500m on November 4, following the Golden Slipper and the Golden Rose. Shinzo will win the prestigious US$5 million Gold Slam if he can secure victory in the Golden Rose.

Shinzo, who is set to retire to Coolmore Stud, will be the third winner by renowned sire Snitzel, joining the likes of In The Congo and Trapeze Artist. Cylinder, bred by Godolphin, is the potential second Golden Rose winner sired by Exceed and Excel, belonging to the same family as Lonhro.

The race is also significant for Darley Kelvinside, as it stands the second-place finisher Anamoe and other past winners like Bivouac and Astern. Exosphere, the 2015 winner, is now at Oaklands Stud. Hollowed Crown and Denman, winners in 2014 and 2009 respectively, have continued their success at Twin Hills Stud, while Epaulette stands at the Jockey Club of Turkey Studs.

In the history of the Golden Rose, only one filly, Forensics, has emerged victorious. Trained by Peter Snowden, she won the race in 2008 before going on to win the All-Aged Stakes. Paratroopers, trained by John Hawkes, claimed victory in 2006 before also winning the All-Aged Stakes.