Queensland filly Military Rose is the new favourite for the $3.5 million Golden Slipper after an afternoon of juvenile racing that raised more questions than it answered.The Magic Millions winner deposed the previously unbeaten Solar Charged at the top of markets after inflicting that filly's first defeat in Saturday's Group Two Reisling Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill.Solar Charged, the even money favourite, led but had no answer for the finishing burst of Military Rose and finished third with the D
Queensland filly Military Rose is the new favourite for the $3.5 million Golden Slipper after an afternoon of juvenile racing that raised more questions than it answered.
The Magic Millions winner deposed the previously unbeaten Solar Charged at the top of markets after inflicting that filly's first defeat in Saturday's Group Two Reisling Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill.
Solar Charged, the even money favourite, led but had no answer for the finishing burst of Military Rose and finished third with the Darley-owned Obsequious splitting the pair.
In the colts and geldings division, Blue Diamond Stakes winner Star Witness was sent out the popular $2.40 elect but was one of the first horses beaten and will now miss the Slipper in favour of the spelling paddock.
"We definitely saw some bubbles burst here today," Glenn Munsie, spokesman for TAB Sportsbet, said.
TAB Sportsbet reacted to Military Rose's victory by bringing her in from $8 to be the outright Slipper favourite at $3.60 while Solar Charged eased from $4.60 to $9.
Sweet Embrace Stakes winner Crystal Lily is on the second line of betting at $6 with fairytale filly Chance Bye, who will have an exhibition gallop at Kembla Grange on Sunday, at $9.
Munsie said he was taken by Military Rose's Reisling victory despite her recording a slightly slower time than the colts and gelding.
"She was impressive but she only ran average time," Munsie said.
"But you would think she'd still have improvement in her with this being her first run since January."
The Todman Stakes (1200m) was won by little-known David Payne-trained colt Masquerader who put his hand up as a genuine contender for the juvenile showpiece with a brilliant come-from-behind win over Decision Time.
Masquerader is not nominated for the Slipper on Easter Saturday but Payne says his owners will pay the $150,000 late entry fee to secure him a start.
The connections of runner-up Decision Time, who was previously unbeaten, are still weighing up whether they will pay to run the Clarry Conners-trained youngster in the world's richest two-year-old race.
He was rated a $13 Slipper chance with TAB Sportsbet while Masquerader was a dramatic firmer in to $15 following his surprise Todman win.
Also on show at Rosehill was Blue Diamond runner-up Shaaheq who pleased trainer David Hayes when she galloped between races with stablemate Pavarotti.
The suspended Steven Arnold partnered Shaaheq in the gallop and will ride her in the Golden Slipper.
"We brought her here to give her a look around on race day," Hayes said.
"I was pleased with that today."
Shaaheq is at $15 for the Slipper.