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.
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