Zac Lloyd prepares for key Rosehill races including Theo Marks Stakes

Jockey Zac Lloyd is set to feature in several key races at Rosehill this Saturday, including the Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes and the Run To The Rose.

In the Theo Marks Stakes, Lloyd will ride Gary Portelli’s five-year-old mare Verona Rose. After a disappointing finish in the Emancipation Stakes due to a foot abscess, Verona Rose has shown strong form in recent trials. Portelli indicated that a successful performance this weekend could lead to Group 1 opportunities, such as the Epsom Handicap. Portelli’s other entry in the race, the six-year-old gelding Encap, also resumes following previous successes in the Ming Dynasty and the 2024 Theo Marks.

In the Run To The Rose, Lloyd will ride Central Europe. This follows a decision by trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent jnr to skip the Group 2 race with the recent San Domenico Stakes winner, Guest House, in order to target the Group 1 Golden Rose on September 26. Lloyd expressed that the change allows him to reunite with Central Europe, who has shown consistent form in recent outings.