The Euphrates poised for Metropolitan challenge

While many European thoroughbreds require a preparation or two to adjust, Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott demonstrate a consistent ability to have them perform from the outset.

The training duo at Tulloch Lodge have already seen success with horses like the Group 1 victor Sir Delius, who triumphed on his initial Australian start in 2025; Eliyass, who also secured a stakes race at his first local outing; and Just Fine, who achieved the Kingston Town Stakes-Metropolitan double in 2023 during his second and third starts in Australia.

It is Just Fine's impressive feat that their latest acquisition, The Euphrates, will be aiming to match in Saturday's Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick, following his victory in the first leg, the Kingston Town Stakes (2000m), where he dictated terms.

Bott indicated that The Euphrates' two-year spell in Australia following his arrival allowed for a seamless acclimatisation period. He also emphasised the crucial role of the Tulloch Lodge system in identifying overseas horses capable of immediate contribution.

"We are selective in what we try to target to bring out," Bott commented. "That helps, the selection process and targeting the right horses to the style that will suit the training and racing. That's a big benefit."

The Euphrates, a Listed winner and dual Group runner-up in Ireland, experienced minor complications upon his arrival, including a short illness and a muscle strain, which prevented his Australian debut until the current spring racing season.

Nevertheless, in line with many previous imports managed by Tulloch Lodge, he has made a significant impact, clinching the Kingston Town Stakes at only his second local race.

This particular race highlighted the horse's capacity for maintaining a high cruising speed, a trait Bott believes will be instrumental in The Euphrates' future performances.

"He's always been a very talented horse. He had good form coming over here, and he's just had a bit of bad luck that we didn't see him at the races for twelve months or so," Bott elaborated. "But he'll sustain that pace you saw the other day. He ran the same time over a mile, he'll run it over 2000, he'll run it over 2400 and hopefully sustain it over two miles as well."

This year's Metropolitan (2400m), which has been downgraded from Group 1 status to Group 2, features a field of 13 runners. The race is currently led by the exciting emerging stayer and $2.20 favourite, Aethelwulf, with The Euphrates listed as the $4.40 second elect.

Compare the latest racing betting markets for this exciting contest at your preferred online bookmakers.