Choice looks rosy for Tofane

THE Empire Rose Stakes is worth half the amount of the Cantala Stakes, but winning the mares race would result in a bigger windfall for Tofane’s connections.

Saturday’s Group 1 Cantala Stakes (1600m) features $2m in prizemoney, while the mares will race for $1m at weight-for-age in the Empire Rose Stakes (also 1600m).

However, winners of qualifying races run during the year will be eligible for another $1m bonus should they win the Empire Rose.

The Mike Moroney-trained Tofane became eligible for the rich bonus when she won the Group 1 Tattersalls Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm during the Brisbane winter carnival.

Winning the Empire Rose would reap $1.6m in prizemoney and bonuses for Tofane’s connections, compared with the $1.2m Cantala Stakes winner’s cheque.

And Tofane will not have to give weight to her rivals in the Empire Rose.

Tofane gave rising star I’m Thunderstruck 6kg when beaten three-quarters of a length in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield last start.

The daughter of Ocean Park has won three Group 1 races, which means she would have to give away weight to males again if Moroney aimed her at the Cantala Stakes.

Tofane has not won over the 1600m of the Empire Rose, but Moroney said the mare had proven herself at the distance. “She has run out the mile twice now,” Moroney said on Monday.

“(Jockey) Craig (Williams) was adamant she ran out the 1600m when she raced against Incentivise in the Makybe Diva Stakes, and they were just too good for her at weight-forage.

“She gave I’m Thunderstruck 6kg in the Toorak and ran another great race.”

Moroney said the six-yearold had done well since her second place in the Toorak Handicap on October 9.

“She’s going to be right in it,” he said.