Warmonger ready for talent-laden G1 Tancred Stakes

Michael Kent Jnr is wary that Warmonger might be facing one of the toughest editions of the Tancred Stakes in recent memory. However, the Cranbourne trainer remains optimistic, given the Group 1 winner's return to peak form.

The four-year-old is set to chase his first victory since last year's Queensland Derby in the 2400-metre Group 1 event at Rosehill on Saturday.

The competition is fierce, with top international Dubai Honour, revitalized import Vauban, Caulfield Cup champion Duke De Sessa, and last year's winner Arapaho among the likely contenders. Yet, Kent is encouraged by Warmonger's performances this campaign.

His latest effort was an impressive closing second to Alalcance in the Randwick City Cup (2000m), and Kent took further confidence from seeing that form upheld in Saturday’s Group 3 Manion Cup (2400m).

"Second-up at 2000 he was much, much better, it was a very good run and the form has stood up with Alalcance bolting over 2400," Kent, who trains in partnership with Mick Price, said.

"It is looking one of the best editions of the Tancred that I can recall, it's a very deep race with Vauban, Dubai Honour and Duke De Sessa, just to name a few.

"It's a really, really hot race but he's going super."

Warmonger is one of 22 entries for the Tancred, one of two Group 1 races scheduled at Rosehill this Saturday, alongside the $1 million Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m), featuring standout Victorian filly Treasurethe Moment.

Warmonger secured his Queensland Derby triumph on a rain-affected track, and while the forecast calls for fine weather leading up to the event, there remains a chance of rain on race day. Kent, however, is confident in Warmonger's versatility on any surface.

"I think he gets through wet, but he showed last start on very firm ground that he could sprint at the end of 2000," he said.

"Last start was the fastest he's ever sprinted home his last 600 – he was home in sub-34 (seconds) – which is very good for Warmonger.

"That gives us good confidence out to 2400m. He's a true stayer and he'll be right in the race."