Waller duo out to stake Metrop claims in the 2025 Newcastle Cup

After narrowly missing out in the City Tattersall’s Club Cup, Travolta will aim to bounce back in the Group 3 Newcastle Gold Cup on Friday as he pushes for a Metropolitan start.

Travolta started a hot favourite last time out but was undone by James McDonald’s bold tactics aboard Changingoftheguard, who controlled the race from the front. While Travolta chased hard, he couldn’t bridge the gap.

Assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth said the effort was full of merit and believes the gelding will strip fitter for the test.

“It just got away from him a little bit, which was unfortunate because it was a race he could have won,” Duckworth said.

“But we won’t worry about spilt milk. It’s a small field but it looks a competitive race. The 2300 will be no issue and hopefully he can get himself right up the order in terms of getting into the Metropolitan.”

Waller has trained six of the past 10 Newcastle Cup winners and fields four runners in this year’s edition. Travolta is rated a $3.40 second favourite, behind Soul Of Spain at $2.15.

Soul Of Spain has impressed with back-to-back wins in Queensland and now faces his biggest test in stakes company.

“This is going to be much harder stepping up to Group racing but he’s a beautiful style of horse,” Duckworth said.

“He’s got a good action. He is a very clean winded horse and he covers the ground well. He’s one where we don’t really know where the ceiling is.”

With both horses heading into the race in strong form, Duckworth admitted it was difficult to split them.

“Your guess is as good as mine,” he said.

“They’re both highly progressive, they’ve both done everything we’ve put in front of them and it’s just going to be a case of who is better on the day.”

Supporting features on the program include the Group 3 Cameron Handicap (1500m), with Swiftfalcon the $4 favourite, and the Group 3 Tibbie Stakes (1400m), where It’s A Knockout heads the line-up.

Those wishing to bet on Travolta, Soul Of Spain, or any other runner in the Newcastle Gold Cup can find markets via Australia’s leading betting sites.