Trainer Tim Martin is under no illusions about how tough it will be for The Mikado to win the $1 million Golden Rose, but if his plan to stalk the favourite Denman comes off and luck goes his way an upset could be on the cards.The Mikado, who has been backed from $26 in to $18 on TAB Sportsbet, jumps from barrier five, one gate outside $2.60 favourite Denman in the 1400-metre Group One feature at Rosehill.The Peter Snowden-trained Denman scored a commanding victory in the Run To The Rose (1300m)

Trainer Tim Martin is under no illusions about how tough it will be for The Mikado to win the $1 million Golden Rose, but if his plan to stalk the favourite Denman comes off and luck goes his way an upset could be on the cards.

The Mikado, who has been backed from $26 in to $18 on TAB Sportsbet, jumps from barrier five, one gate outside $2.60 favourite Denman in the 1400-metre Group One feature at Rosehill.

The Peter Snowden-trained Denman scored a commanding victory in the Run To The Rose (1300m) last start when The Mikado stormed home from last to run fourth after being blocked for a run.

But there will be no getting back for The Mikado on Saturday.

"He's drawn a favourable barrier. I think it's a bonus drawing beside the favourite," Martin said.

"Denman looks very hard to beat. The plan is to get just behind him and trail him into the race, hopefully Denman has an off day and some of those other more fancied runners get caught wide and we can have a bit of luck."

Last start The Mikado drew barrier 12 of 13 and jockey Tye Angland had no choice but to ride the Danehill Dancer colt cold.

"He'll be about midfield and we'll go from there, it's all about having a bit of luck," Martin said.

"He galloped on the course proper on Tuesday and worked well. He's had a few starts now and fitness isn't a problem, he's very well in himself and is very sound."

Two runs back The Mikado ran third to Definite Choice over 1400 metres at Rosehill on August 1 after travelling in second spot for most of the race.

In July, he scored a two-length win over Fear No Other with Golden Rose hopeful Sweepstaking third.

Martin is also wary of Golden Slipper winner Phelan Ready who is coming off an unlucky third to Kroner and Mentality who dead-heated in the Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on August 15.

Phelan Ready is the equal second favourite alongside Trusting at $5 on TAB Sportsbet.

The Jason Coyle-trained Trusting is coming off a slashing win in the Warwick Stakes at Randwick last Saturday, a week after his unlucky seventh in the Run To The Rose.

"Trusting is a great horse but he has to repeat what he did last week and that will be hard to do," Martin said.