Les Bridge keen to test promising talent Scorching Legend in hot Rosehill Gardens opener

The opening event at Rosehill Gardens is expected to attract plenty of attention with an abundance of emerging talent set to line up on Saturday.

Relations of Australian sprint racing royalty Black Caviar and Classique Legend only make up part of the significant challenge exciting prospect Scorching Legend faces in an enthralling opener at Rosehill Gardens this Saturday.

Trainer Les Bridge is keen to test his impressive last start winner in the Petaluma Benchmark 72 Handicap (1200m) which undoubtedly shapes as the most exciting encounter on the 10-race program this weekend.

And there’s a good reason for it as a string of well-bred three-year-old talent will put their credentials to the test in Sydney’s west.

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Among them is the unbeaten colt Theblade ($2.90), which in human terms is nephew of unbeaten former superstar Black Caviar as well as star colt All Too Hard.

The half-sister to Bridge’s former The Everest hero Classique Legend - the promising filly Candlewick ($12) - could also make up part of the competition while she is also an acceptor at Randwick Kensington on Friday evening.

Then there’s unbeaten colt Private Harry ($2.15 favourite) with trainer Nathan Doyle attempting to extend his winning streak to three following a seven length romp at Hawkesbury last time.

Bridge’s own three-year-old is certainly no slouch.

*Numerian to launch Perth campaign in Northerly Stakes

From a long last to first! Scorching Legend unleashes under Sam Clipperton to take the first under lights at Canterbury for master trainer Les Bridge 💥 pic.twitter.com/smge2GDYJA

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) November 15, 2024

Scorching Legend ($13) pulled up off the seemingly impossible first-up win with a thrilling last to first effort at Canterbury last month.

Bridge wants to see him back it up in his toughest test so far.

“It was an amazing run, I didn’t really expect it,” Bridge said.

“I will use Saturday (as a yardstick), he’s got to follow it up.

“I do think the horse will get over 1400m and a mile, that will be his go.

“At the moment he seems to be sprinting well so we will keep him at 1200m and the jockey seems to be very happy with the 1200m for him so we will see how we go Saturday.”

The Everest winning rider Sam Clipperton will continue his partnership with Scorching Legend in a final field of eight.

Meanwhile, Bridge also has Smart Legend in the Midway Benchmark 72 Handicap (1500m), however it’s a high possibility the son of So You Think is scratched from a testing wide gate.

Originally published as Les Bridge keen to test promising talent Scorching Legend in hot Rosehill Gardens opener