Althoff's spring campaign plans are flexible
In-form gelding Althoff is currently positioned as the fourth favourite in early markets for the Group 1 Epsom Handicap, though his connections are still assessing his suitability as a genuine miler.
The five-year-old, owned by the Yulong family and a winner up to 1400m, recorded a fifth-place finish in the 2024 Callander-Presnell during his only previous attempt over a longer distance. He is set to test the miler's trip again this Saturday at Rosehill in the Wests Group Macarthur Handicap over 1500m.
Trainer Chris Waller has identified next year's Magic Millions Cup (1400m) at the Gold Coast as Althoff's ultimate spring goal, but he is maintaining an open mind about the rest of the gelding's campaign.
Waller has indicated that the gelding's performance this weekend will be a key factor in deciding whether to conclude his preparation with summer racing in view, or to give him another opportunity to showcase his talents in a race like the Epsom.
"We had (Yulong's) Mr Zhang up in Sydney and looking at all the horses (this week), and one of the discussion points was that horse," Waller stated.
"We think he might be a perfect horse for the Magic Millions Cup if we back off him after Saturday.
"A mile could stretch him. But this Saturday is 1500, and if he comes out and wins on Saturday we could think differently."
Having been Group 3 placed as a juvenile, Althoff did not quite reach the same level at three but has arguably returned in his best form this season. He made a fast-finishing second to Carbonados first-up at Rosehill on August 1, and followed that with a commanding victory in the Spring Preview (1400m), defeating Group 1 performers Attica and Fully Lit.
Attica is a prominent contender in Epsom Handicap (1600m) betting at $11, while Althoff is now $15 for the October 3 feature event.
Consider the available racing betting markets for Althoff's upcoming races.
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