Tulloch Lodge duo eyeing Sydney Cup after City Stakes
Consistent stayer Campaldino edged nearer to his Sydney Cup aspirations courtesy of an encouraging triumph in the Randwick City Stakes.
Tim Clark gave him room to balance while stable companion Alalcance set a firm gallop early, enabling Campaldino ($4.40) to charge home between rivals and defeat Athabascan ($41) by 1-1/4 lengths, with Juja Kibo ($4.20) just a neck behind in third spot.
The one-time Kiwi raider reeled off four wins on the trot last time in, capped by a Brisbane Cup (3200m) success back in June, making Saturday's 2000m hit just his second start this time around.
Co-trainer Adrian Bott expressed pleasure at the horse's return to winning ways, hopeful for strong autumn performances.
"Great to see him bounce back in such good shape second-up," Bott said.
"I thought he was in for a nice campaign, and he is only going to keep improving as they get over ground. He showed that last preparation.
"He's got those true staying capabilities and I'm looking forward to the campaign ahead."
Making her seasonal reappearance since November, Alalcance battled gamely to sixth having taken a big advantage mid-race, as Bott outlined plans for both to tackle the N E Manion Cup (2400m) at Rosehill in a fortnight.
"She was there for a long way so there is some good upside for her going forward as well," Bott said.
"At this stage, they will push on to the Manion, through the Chairman's Handicap and onto the Sydney Cup.
"It's a program we have followed before and used it well."
According to Clark, the victor was tardy off the mark amid the brisk tempo but his staying power shone through late.
"I had to wait and let him build through when he was ready, and when he finally got into gear and had his revs up, he was always going to win," Clark said.
"The good thing about him is he relaxes so well. He goes to sleep."
The Sydney Cup (3200m) takes place at Randwick on April 11.
Explore top online bookmakers offering competitive racing odds for the Sydney Cup.
More Racing News
Pinito breaks maiden for Waller after Queensland Oaks placing
Trainer Chris Waller got his reward by adopting a measured start to autumn with Pinito, despite contemplating grander intentions.The four-year-old Godolphin mare notched her debut victory for the leading handler in the Group 3 Aspiration Quality (1600m) on Saturday at Randwick, bypassing a potential Group 1 challenge in the upcoming...
Beadman colt targets The Galaxy after stakes success
The rising sprinter Beadman, named for the legendary Hall of Fame jockey, is forging his own path in racing.Peter Snowden, the trainer, possesses solid grounds for ambitious plans with Beadman after the colt's gritty return triumph in the Listed $200,000 Fireball Stakes (1100m) conducted at Royal Randwick on Saturday.In a...
Paradoxium claims Todman Stakes to lead Golden Slipper betting
Paradoxium, the two-year-old colt, has made a remarkable comeback from pneumonia, securing a spot in Golden Slipper calculations via a dominant display in the Todman Stakes at Randwick.After his win in an important Wyong trial, he was a prime candidate for January's Magic Millions Classic at the Gold Coast, but...
O'Brien eyes spring riches for Kewney Stakes winner Sass Appeal
Danny O'Brien has decided against sending Sass Appeal to Sydney post her hat-trick of wins at Flemington.On Saturday, Sass Appeal captured the Group 2 Kewney Stakes (1600m) with a flawless performance from jockey Jordan Childs.From the widest gate, Childs let Sass Appeal stride forward to stalk leader Pillow Fight, then unleashed...
Reisling Stakes triumph boosts Chayan's Golden Slipper prospects
Annabel Archibald, the trainer, fielded an encouraging call from a prominent jockey shortly following Chayan's unlucky unplaced finish in the Blue Diamond. "Where is Chayan going next,'' the jockey said. "She will go where you can ride her,'' Archibald replied.Champion rider James McDonald was the one on the line, and...
All-Star Mile next for Sabaj following blood test setback
Sabaj, under the care of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, faces a puzzling field in the All-Star Mile with Pride Of Jenni taking part.Saturday's All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington is now the primary target for Sabaj, who skipped last week's Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington due to unsatisfactory blood...
Baraqiel to trial blinkers for Newmarket Handicap push
Baraqiel faces an uphill battle with the weights in pursuit of success in one of the nation's premier short-distance contests, the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.Post-1973 metric weight implementation, merely three runners have prevailed in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) carrying more than 57.5kg, with the race set for Saturday.In...
Green Spaces earns Rachel King's trust for Randwick Guineas tilt
Returning from a triumphant riding spell in Japan, Rachel King has her eyes set on the Sydney autumn series, with a key engagement aboard the inexperienced three-year-old gelding Green Spaces in the Randwick Guineas.The esteem in which King views the Bjorn Baker stable's charge prompted her to jet in from...
Fortunes due to improve for backmarker Bauhinia
Bauhinia, known for settling towards the rear naturally, has often lacked the rub of the green in her races.Co-trainer Lee Curtis expects the mare to see her luck change for the better over autumn, kicking off in Saturday's Wenona Girl Quality (1200m) at Randwick."Her work has been as good as...
Gibbons lands timely Linebacker mount after Rosehill breakthrough
An ordinary benchmark contest at Rosehill back in July evolved into a career highlight for Dylan Gibbons, setting him up to steer star performer Linebacker in the Group One Canterbury Stakes.The promising jockey, mere months removed from shoulder surgery, had steered Good Banter to victory in that midwinter feature.Post-race, he...