Studs wanting a first-up illustration of stallion prospect Zoustar's absolute best will be disappointed when the colt resumes in the $125,000 Run To The Rose at Rosehill on Saturday.
As a well-performed son of ill-fated champion first-season sire Northern Meteor, Zoustar has suddenly emerged as an attractive stallion proposition in his own right.
But trainer Chris Waller insists the three-year-old's potential stud value is secondary to an immediate racing program.
"We're mindful (of his stud appeal) but at the same time I haven't considered that by having him wound up to win first-up," Waller said.
"Obviously he's there to run well but he will take a lot of benefit out of the race.
"I guess the Golden Rose is a bit more important and that's when he will be closer to his peak."
Zoustar boasts three wins from four starts and he was beaten for the first time when he ran second to Romantic Touch in the Group One J J Atkins.
The colt has been successful at Group Two level as the winner of the BRC Sires' Produce Stakes but winning a Group One race like the Golden Rose will ensure his value will skyrocket.
Zoustar is the $4.60 second favourite behind Sidestep ($4.20) to win the Run To The Rose but the TAB's odds spruiker Glenn Munsie reports punters have shown only minor interest in their chances.
"It's interesting to see they are betting around Sidestep and Zoustar because Zoustar is the most popular runner by far in the Golden Rose itself," he said.
Blinkers go back on Sidestep after the Golden Slipper placegetter raced without luck when resuming in the San Domenico Stakes.
Sidestep missed runs at different stages in the straight but trainer Peter Snowden is confident the colt can give Darley another Run To The Rose success and confirm the trainer's claims for a fourth Golden Rose triumph since 2008.
Most Run To The Rose betting has focused on horses at double figures, the most notable being first-up Gosford winner Napayshini who has firmed from $17 to $9.50.