Liverpool City Cup at Randwick to gauge potential of progressive Axius

Jockey Tim Clark has no clear idea of the peak potential for rising sprinter Axius, but eagerly awaits the chance to assess him in stakes racing at Randwick.

This four-year-old gelding contests Saturday's Group 3 Liverpool City Cup (1300m), his return since a commanding success in the Magic Millions Sprint (1200m) at the Gold Coast during January under Clark's ride.

"He's been a horse that has been threatening to do something like he did," Clark said.

"He's a big, tough, headstrong Justify gelding who really enjoyed riding the back of that good speed at the Gold Coast.

"It was a dominant performance up there and he still gets into this race with a very light weight."

On Saturday, Axius shoulders just 53.5kg as the minimum, opposed by leading handicap Coal Crusher carrying 58kg.

The Instructor features in the field too, unplaced to Axius up north but close in a subsequent Group race in Sydney and holding his own when runner-up to elite Autumn Glow in the Apollo Stakes (1400m) wait no, fourth.

Clark, drawing a comparison via The Instructor, anticipates Axius will register strongly.

"He's an interesting runner to see where he measures up," Clark said of his mount.

"He beat The Instructor home at the Gold Coast and meets him better at the weights on Saturday.

"This race on Saturday is probably going to decide his future plans through the autumn and the winter and how high they can aim with him. But he has barely put a foot wrong during his career, and they've been very patient with him, so they're getting the rewards now."

Ciaron Maher trains Axius, who is nominated for Sydney autumn features including the Group 1 T J Smith Stakes (1200m) and Doncaster Mile (1600m).

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