Anthony Nunes - file

ROCK UNION looked awesome on debut when slamming maidens by 17 lengths a month ago at 1200 metres. The dark bay colt scared off rivals last Saturday, resulting in a controversial abandonment of the Sir Howard Stakes.

Anthony Nunes was left fuming as he had no option but to send out ROCK UNION tomorrow, two weeks before the 1400-metre Prince Consort Stakes.

Never off his bridle down the backstretch and into the lane, ROCK UNION ran away from the field in the straight. He continues to move sweetly at exercise, clocking 1:14.2 for six furlongs last Sunday morning.

Though impressive, ROCK UNION will have some speed to contend with down the backstretch as CRUCIAL APPEAL and LADY SHARVANI were also strong winners on debut.

Patrick Lynch's CRUCIAL APPEAL, Chris Douglas up, posted an impressive 56.3 at 1000 metres straight on December 22.

Lynch's runner had a strong wind behind him that afternoon but is clearly a speedster and will ensure ROCK UNION is kept honest.

Gary Subratie's LADY SHARVANI also debuted at 1000 metres straight, winning by 10 lengths on February 13. She didn't clock a super time but looked comfortable in 1:01.1.

ROCK UNION, however, won on the round course, posting 1:00.2 for 1000 metres. He looked particularly strong in the final furlong and should be good enough to stalk and outmuscle the speedsters, CRUCIAL APPEAL and LADY SHARVANI.

Ellis is set to have a good day with ROCK UNION and two other hot rides, LUMINOUS TRIESTE in the opening event and MY MONEY in the night pan.

LUMINOUS TRIESTE never got a breather last Saturday going six furlongs, having to contest splits of 23.1 and 46.1, and was narrowly beaten by KIPLING WEEKEND and PISCEAN ROCKET.

However, back at 1400 metres and being the controlling speed in the event, LUMINOUS TRIESTE should make amends for her January 19 short-head loss at the distance to ASHES TO ASHES.

JAH LOVE, who was storming home along the rail that afternoon and lost in a three-way photo, finishing a neck behind LUMINOUS TRIESTE, has the handicaps against her, picking up seven pounds from that run.

MY MONEY has an easy job in the night pan with Ellis aboard. The eight-year-old mare was caught at the wire by REGION DENASKRA a month ago at 1000 metres straight after entering the last furlong three lengths clear.

She is back against horses who she had behind her that afternoon and won't be caught on the round course.