Cross Tasman primed for Randwick success

Tom Charlton anticipates Cross Tasman will go one better this Saturday at Royal Randwick, finding an ideal race to add to his impressive record.

The five-year-old gelding has been a picture of consistency, accumulating four victories and six top-three finishes across eleven starts. His return from a spell has seen him finish second in both outings, first in the Goulburn Cup and then behind the capable Decorum at Rosehill three weeks prior.

Cross Tasman is slated to contest the HKJC World Pool Handicap at Benchmark 88 level. Charlton, who operates in partnership with John O'Shea, expressed confidence in the horse's suitability for the 1400-metre journey.

"It was a strong performance last time," Charlton remarked. "We just nearly had the winner in a pocket which would have potentially changed things but the winner there looks a group horse and he gapped out third. He's really progressing nicely and he'll present a good chance this weekend."

The Michael Freedman-trained Decorum is entered for The Silver Eagle this Saturday. While O'Shea & Charlton have Napoleonic in that race, Charlton suggested the stable is considering the Sydney Stakes over 1200m for him instead.

Looking ahead, Cross Tasman is also being aimed at some of Sydney's lucrative Spring Carnival features, with a probable start in the $750,000 Little Dance on Melbourne Cup day following his Randwick engagement.

"He is qualified for the Little Dance on Cup day having placed in the Goulburn Cup first up and that would seem a logical route for him after Saturday," Charlton commented. "The Five Diamonds over 1800 metres is not out of the realms of possibility as well, it would be a five day backup but it's something we'll have in the back of our mind as well."

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