Va Pensiero completed a Group 3 double in the Run To the Rose (1200m) on Saturday and the only surprise for his followers was the $41.50 win dividend on the TAB.

The Jason Coyle trained colt was a last-start winner of the G3 San Domenico Stakes but drifted alarmingly when backing up at Rosehill.  “I couldn’t understand the price,” Coyle said.  “He’s a very good colt and had to work hard today.  He’s been up against the good ones since day one.”

Va Pensiero (3c Stratum – Rosmarino by Langfuhr) led from barrier rise to repel Melbourne colt Dissident and another long-shot Marseille Roulette.  “He will probably miss the Golden Rose,” Coyle revealed.  “He is a tough horse but I think he is better suited to shorter distances like the Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington.”

The Stratum colt was offered at the 2012 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale but was retained by his breeder Barry Collins after failing to reach a $40,000 reserve.  Collins raced his dam Rosmarino to five wins in Sydney.

Va Pensiero became the 19th stakes winner for Widden Stud stallion Stratum when he won the San Domenico.  He has a yearling half-brother by Darley sire Denman.