Sydney Cup next for Melbourne Cup-bound Whisky On The Hill
Whisky On The Hill holds a guaranteed spot in the Melbourne Cup, prompting some to consider steering clear of handicapper pressure by passing on the Sydney Cup.
Trainer Glen Thompson chatted about this with the ownership syndicate, but the better decision prevailed over avoiding challenge, so the reliable stayer lines up for the Group 1 3200m test at Randwick on Saturday.
"There is always the concern about another win giving him more weight in the Melbourne Cup but that race is a long way away," Thompson said.
"While he's racing well, and I've seen it too many times that if you sit around and wait, you can kick yourself later on.
"He's fit and well and you have to have a crack. The golden ticket guarantees that you can be there but it doesn't guarantee that you will."
The gelding created a heartfelt highlight for Thompson with his win in the Listed Roy Higgins Quality (2600m) at Flemington on March 28.
That result handed Whisky On The Hill a passport to the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) set for November 3.
Currently, the emphasis is on Randwick, hoping for precipitation to firm up the surface before Saturday.
"He had his main gallop on Monday morning and pulled up really well," Thompson said.
"As long as he trots up well on Tuesday, he'll head to Sydney on Tuesday night."
Experienced with horses, Thompson is aware of potential issues across seven months, plus marquee races like the Sydney Cup are scarce down under.
In recent standout performances for the six-year-old, Damian Lane has been in the saddle, covering the Roy Higgins and Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) at Flemington in November.
"With 53.5-kilos, Damian Lane was keen to ride again and his feedback was a main factor," Thompson said.
"If he was willing to get down to that weight, that is a very good push."Whisky On The Hill sits at $15 for the weekend, trailing the Ciaron Maher-prepared Mr Monaco at $4.50 favourite.
Check the online bookmakers for competitive betting markets for the Sydney Cup.
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