Clinton McDonald dreams big for Rosberg in 2026 Oakleigh Plate

Rosberg’s nascent career has featured daring positioning, something Cranbourne handler Clinton McDonald aims to sustain with a debut run in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate.

Nevertheless, McDonald recognises the potential need to restart his exciting colt, who was third at Cranbourne’s jumpout Monday, in a same-age event that afternoon.

A rating of 75 from officials means the three-year-old would necessitate fewer than full runners in the 1100m $750,000 Oakleigh Plate weight-for-age to qualify, so the $200,000 Group 3 Zeditave Stakes (1200m) stands out as the realistic opener.

“He runs on the 21st (of February) here at Caulfield, there’s either the Zeditave or the Oakleigh Plate,” McDonald said.

“It’s probably most likely we can’t get into the Oakleigh Plate, so it’ll be the Zeditave.”

This 1200m affair represents Rosberg’s third start overall and first post his poor showing in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1100m) last October 4, when he returned with injury.

His sole prior run saw him prevail by half a length in the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) around Moonee Valley.

Deep Field’s progeny placed third in the trial, finishing two lengths behind Gee Gees Mistruth.

The duo was separated by Spywire, as Pride Of Jenni also competed softly like Rosberg, winding up fifth and down five lengths.

Such aspirations from McDonald for Rosberg highlight his contentment with the colt, who dominated his January 26 heat and advanced considerably in downtime.

“He’s not such a kid, he’s a bit more mature now in the way that he behaves,” McDonald said.

“We can’t fault him and he’s done everything right.

“He’s an impressive colt to look at, he’s got a big motor and we know what’s there, it’s just a matter of getting him 100 percent on raceday.”

For those eyeing the 2026 edition, the racing betting markets on the Oakleigh Plate are worth a look at leading sites.

The post Clinton McDonald still dreaming big with Rosberg first appeared on Just Horse Racing.