Alalcance primed for G1 Sydney Cup distance test

Alalcance is set to tackle her first 3200-metre race in the Sydney Cup, as trainer Adrian Bott aims to cap her impressive autumn with a Group 1 win over two miles. The mare has already swept through three stakes races this campaign.

Her dominant display in last weekend’s Chairman’s Quality (2600m) was particularly eye-catching and has made her the early favourite heading into Saturday’s staying test at Randwick.

“She’s got the pedigree to suggest she will stay and she was obviously very strong through the line there on Saturday after sustaining a strong gallop,” Bott said of the daughter of Mastercraftsman.

“All the right indications are there. Obviously, you do like to see them prove themselves first over that distance so it’s going to be new territory for her on Saturday.

“But everything she has shown to date gives a positive indication that she will (stay).”

Historically, winners of the Chairman’s Quality have gone on to perform strongly in the Sydney Cup, and Bott says Alalcance is thriving.

“It was one of her better performances this preparation and that’s what we were hoping to see, that continued improvement as we see her step up in trip,” he said.

Barrier 15 may look tricky on paper, but Bott sees it as an advantage for the on-pace runner.

“As we saw on Saturday, Tim (Clark) was able to ride his own race and that’s what we’re going to look to do with her,” Bott said.

“She is versatile, there are a number of different ways she can be ridden and I think that draw gives us the best options to do so.”

Alalcance is the $2.40 favourite, comfortably ahead of her closest market rivals Zardozi and Birdman, as she bids for her fourth win of the campaign.