Rotagilla progressing towards Gosford Cup challenge

After Rotagilla adjusted well to a tactical shift, jockey Tyler Schiller called the gelding a "progressive horse" en route to a commanding success in Randwick's Anzac Day Cup.

Although Schiller planned an aggressive position for the four-year-old, an awkward departure prompted a conservative ride, prompting Rotagilla to produce a fierce late charge wide out and seize the 1800m feature decisively.

"It obviously wasn't the plan to be so neutral and negative on him, but they jumped quick around us and I thought, on a turn if we're pushing we're going to be using a lot of energy," Schiller said.

"He's come through and won like a really nice horse late. The tempo helped him.

"He's a progressive horse."

With six victories in 17 appearances to his credit, Rotagilla caught the eye of trainer Chris Waller's deputy Charlie Duckworth, who flagged the Listed Gosford Gold Cup (2100m) on May 9 as a potential follow-up.

"He is tough and consistent," Duckworth said.

"We thought he was more one-paced, but he seems to have that turn of foot and a willingness to win. We've just got to work out exactly where he measures up and what his distance range is, how far he can stay, and that will tell us the answers hopefully."

Rotagilla, jumped at $8, held a half-length margin over fellow stable runner Sir Dinadan ($12), as Polymnia ($4.40) stayed on gamely for third, beaten by another short neck.

Rather than contest Friday's Tamworth Cup (1400m), which their Formal Display won, Annabel and Rob Archibald chose to run Hellsing in Saturday's First Australian Imperial Force Handicap (1500m).

Hellsing prevailed in a thrilling three-way duel, mastering Encap in the final 50m for his second Australian victory, while stablemate Cristal Clear was right there in third.

"I am delighted for Hellsing. He has been knocking on the door," Annabel Archibald said.

"He's had three seconds, two here and in the Muswellbrook Cup, and just the ground and maybe the class in the Doncaster (Mile) found him out.

"Back in grade, 1500 metres here I think is his sweet spot, and it was a nice ride by Tom Sherry as well."

Four representatives from the Archibald yard competed, including Depth Of Character in fourth and Port Lockroy in fifth.

Both Hellsing and Cristal Clear look set for the Scone Cup (1600m) next month according to Annabel Archibald, qualifying for the Big Dance on Melbourne Cup Day.

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