Run to the Rose Tips & Predictions 2026: Best Bets

It’s not an easy race to map out, but ST GOTTHARD (4) could be one out of the box for Waller.

The 3YO colt by Snitzel won on debut at Warwick Farm before blowing them away at Gold Coast by four lengths. The form behind him didn’t show up, but he was clearly a level above that field.

James McDonald would have had the pick of the Waller runners, and it’s not surprising to see him land on St Gotthard. He’s bred to be better than most runners in this field, and barrier 4 gives him an easy run in transit.

He opened at $2.45, so there has been money for runners to beat him, but based on what we’ve seen so far, he has the most upside, so he’s our top pick with Run to the Rose predictions.

He has yet to win a race and is rated at only 77. However, 3YO Frankel colt CENTRAL EUROPE (2) has raced against some smart types.

He’s another Waller-trained runner with massive upside, and having a run under his belt in The Rosebud should have him ready to go, so he’ll have the fitness edge over his stablemates.

That could make a big difference on Saturday, and although McDonald jumps onto the favourite, Zac Lloyd isn’t a bad replacement. He’s drawn to get a sweet trip from barrier 2, so the each-way odds are worth including in Run to the Rose tips.

Waller lines up another quality thoroughbred, who might be better over longer distances, but TRON BOLT (10) could get things started this season with a top effort.

The son of Toronado ended last season with three consecutive wins, including the Group 1 J.J. Atkins at Eagle Farm last start. He has the form on the board, and he’ll be hitting the line with purpose.

His best distance is 1400m-1600m, but he could sprint well. He won over 1400m last campaign by four lengths, and we think he’s being overlooked as a winning chance.

The $15/$3.80 is a good price to include in picks, and he should boost exotic payouts.

Punters get value odds with our Run to the Rose SRM, which includes our three selected runners.

• Top 2 – No. 7 St Gotthard
• Top 3 – No. 11 Central Europe 
• Top 5 – No. 2 Tron Bolt

We have St Gotthard Top 2, Central Europe Top 3, and Tron Bolt Top 5, which pays $10.50 for our three-runner SRM.

The two favourites should run in the Top 3, and we just need Tron Bolt to come to the party with a Top 5 finish. He’s good enough to win, so he should hit the line to figure in the finish.