Adrian Bott weighing up options for Sir Lucan ahead of the Wyong Cup

Whether Sir Lucan lines up in the $250,000 Wyong Cup or a staying feature at Randwick remains up in the air, but either way, co-trainer Adrian Bott is predicting a much-improved second-up performance.

The on-pace gelding resumed with a sound sixth behind stablemate Eliyass in the Premier’s Cup (2000m) at Rosehill last month, an effort Bott initially felt was slightly below par.

“I thought he might be able to do a little more first-up in fairness,” Bott said.

“But going back through his record, it’s in line with how he does perform, and there is sharp improvement to come second-up.”

Sir Lucan has a single win and placing from eight first-up performances, but his second-up statistics are significantly better, boasting a brace of wins and as many minors from six appearances.

Friday’s Wyong Cup (2100m) and the CTC Cup (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday are the two options being considered for his next start and which way connections lean will hinge on several factors, including whether they feel he is looking for a mile-and-a-half.

“I think that’s the key, maybe the speed map as well,” Bott said.

“They’re two very different tracks also, so there are a couple of things to weigh up, but he should be able to handle a tighter-turning track (at Wyong).

“It’s an interesting track for the Europeans, they haven’t had too much exposure to the tighter-turning tracks, but I haven’t made a decision yet. I’m still fifty-fifty at the moment.”

With dual acceptor Raging Bull scratched from the Central Coast feature to run at Randwick, the Wyong Cup field has been reduced to 11.

Chris Waller has the favourite in last-start winner Etna Rosso at $3.20, ahead of Lion’s Roar at $4.60 with the top fancy’s stablemate Medatsu on the third line of betting at $6.

Sir Lucan is a $13 chance.