Racing: Punters can't decide on Stakes puzzle

Punters are treating today's group three San Domenico Stakes with caution, with an even spread of bets placed across the field and Queensland filly Kiss Me Katy remaining favourite.

The withdrawal of exciting colt Rothesay from the 1000-metre Randwick feature has thrown the race wide open.

Rothesay was ruled out on Thursday with an elevated temperature.

Glenn Munsie from TAB Sportsbet said Rothesay, who won impressively on debut at Rosehill on July 18, would have been the overwhelming favourite if he remained in the San Domenico.

"There may not have been odds against him," Munsie said.

"These horses are not the cream of the crop, the punters are a bit wary of backing them.

"There's six runners under double figures. Even a horse like Not A Snip A Doubt, who won a pretty common maiden the other day, has had support."

Kiss Me Katy is the A$4.20 favourite on TAB Sportsbet ahead of Winter King (A$5.50) and Shellscrape at A$6.

Shellscrape, from the Chris Waller yard, had a successful winter campaign in Queensland winning both of his races including the listed Australia Post Stakes (1400m) at Doomben in June. The Dane Shadow colt warmed up for today's race with a barrier trial win at Warwick Farm on July28.

The Peter Snowden-trained Purdey, who finished third to Real Saga in the group two Todman Stakes and was a last-start fourth to Onemorenomore in the listed Baillieu Handicap in April, is at A$6.50.

Silver Slipper runner-up Sunday Rose, from the Bart Cummings stable, was next best in the betting atA$7.

Kiss Me Katy has won four of her five starts, including the Sir Douglas Wadley Stakes at Eagle Farm.

Two Queensland-trained fillies - Regimental Gal in 2003 and Gold Edition in 2006 - have won the feature sprint in recent years.

- AAP