August 24 - In 2008, Aussie trainer David Payne was confident his charge Stripper could win the epic Golden Rose (Gr 1) at Rosehill Gardens, but it was not to be as Duporth - with top jockey Hugh Bowman aboard - pipped him to the post.

Now, two years later, Payne again has a spring in his step, because he believes he's got the just the horse to pull off a win in Saturday's 1400m Golden Rose in the form of 3-year-old colt Masquerader, and has secured the services of Bowman.

After coming so close to winning this prestigious race in 2008, Payne is taking no chances which is why he's sending out one of his best runners and has hired a jockey who knows this Sydney course well, and as importantly how to win this race.

Interestingly, out of the 15-strong field expected in Saturday's $1 million Golden Rose, Masquerader is one of the least experienced runners. It seems that the Golden Rose will be only his fourth career start, but Payne is not at all concerned.

'He can run on any kind of going so that won't matter either,' said Payne. 'Masquerader has done a lot of pace work and he's hard fit so there are no worries on that score. Plus, Hugh's coming out to Rosehill to ride him this week in his gallop.'

So with an entry into one of Australia's richest and most prestigious races guaranteed, a horse that seems to be in tip-top form, and an experienced Gr 1-winning jockey in the bag, all Payne needed was a good draw and he got it with post 2.

Which is why Masquerader has emerged as the early favourite of the prestigious race. Here is the complete field and odds (to win) of Saturday's $1 million Golden Rose (Gr 1) for 3-year-old colts and geldings at set weights at Rosehill Gardens:

Toorak Toff??? 4.20
Masquerader??? 4.40
Crystal Lily??? 7.00
Squamosa??? 7.00
Panipique??? 10.00
Hinchinbrook??? 13.00
Decision Time??? 15.00
Praecido??? 15.00
Sasa??? 17.00
Chance Bye??? 34.00
Kudakulari??? 51.00
Run For Levi??? 51.00
Ilovethiscity??? 67.00
Top Drop??? 67.00
Gybe??? 151.00