Aeronautical emerged as the horse to beat in the G1 Golden Rose after a stunning win in the LR Rosebud Handicap (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.

Aeronautical (3g Encosta de Lago – Moon Fever by Fusaichi Pegasus) produced a barnstorming burst in the straight to give former South African based horseman Lionel Cohen his first feature in Australia.

A last start winner at Randwick on July 9, Aeronautical doubled up to win by more than three lengths from Bello (Exceed And Excel) and Queenian (Dubleo).  “He was a little under done going into the race,” Cohen said.  “I’m really happy with him at the moment and he was super impressive.”

Aeronautical was $100,000 buy from Amarina Farm at the 2010 Gold Coast Magic Millions.  He was bred by Rob and Rosemary Scarborough at Wood Nook Farm in Victoria.

Aeronautical looks the horse to put Cohen on the map in his new Australian venture.  He was all smiles in the winning enclosure at Randwick with wife Caroline and children Abi and Julius.

Cohen best galloper to date has been the Australian bred mare Sun Classique (Fuji Kiseki) who won Group races in South Africa and Dubai.

The Rosebud winner opened the black-type account for Encosta de Lago for 2011-12.  His dam Moon Fever was stakes placed at Moonee Valley.  It’s the family of Moonee Valley G1 winner Stella Cadente.

Besides the G1 Golden Rose, Aeronautical also holds a G1 entry for the Caulfield Guineas on October 8.