Jockey Josh Parr partners with possible 2014 Golden Rose hope Inkling for the thrid time on Saturday. Photo: Daniel Costello.

Trainer Peter Snowden, now in partnership with son Paul, is thinking about bypassing Sydney’s 2014 Golden Rose in September and saving Inkling for a shot at the later Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival features.

The talented Duporth colt has been in $1 million Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) equations since winning at Warwick Farm by six lengths on debut back on June 18.

The rising three-year-old was impossible to miss that day when beating an awkward jump to win the 1100m 2yo maiden running away.

A run at Rosehill in an open 2yo handicap over 1200m on July 5 followed with Inkling showing their greenness.

Josh Parr retrained the ride but Inkling was again away awkwardly from the barriers and overraced throughout.

Parr planned to roll forward and sit outside the leader but a slow pace forced them to overrace and ruin their chances when third to Delecation.

Still Golden Rose ambitions were discussed and Snowden confirmed this week they still haven’t ruled out the September 13 classic for the up-and-comer.

“I thought his run was quite solid last start. He over-raced a bit early and it probably cost him his chance of winning,” Snowden said.

“If he’s going to measure up to better races in the coming weeks he needs to stand up here.”

That “here” is when they race for a third time in Sydney this Saturday with Inkling set to start odds-on favourite in the first at Randwick’s Kensington track.

They are drawn in barrier three of seven for the $85,000 TAB Early Quaddie Handicap (1150m) and currently pay $1.80 to win through Ladbrokes.com.au.

In the Golden Rose futures markets they are at a much more generous $34 to win, the odds led by Group 1 winning fillies Earthquake ($6) and Mossfun ($7.50) who finished second and first respectively in the Golden Slipper last time out.

While confident his colt has what it takes to be competitive in the Golden Rose, it is the timing with the Group 1 that has the former Darley trainer a bit worried about their ability to stay in peak fitness for Sydney’s first elite level of the season.

“I’m mindful it is his first prep and it’s still a fair way to go to that race,” Snowden told AAP.

“Whether he gets to that or one of the lead-ups maybe, well wait and see.

“From where I stand now I would think he’d have this run [on Saturday] and maybe the Run To The Rose in a fortnight.

“Then maybe we give him a breather and come in at the back end of the Melbourne carnival.”

The $125,000 Group 3 The Run To The Rose (1200m) takes place at Rosehill on August 30.

To get behind Inkling this Saturday and throughout their spring campaign at the best prices make sure you have an account open online at Ladbrokes.com.au – home of the Ladbrokes.com.au giving punters instant access to their money from any ATM in the country!