Having secured a direct entry to the Melbourne Cup for Whisky On The Hill, there might have been thoughts of dodging further attention from the handicapper by skipping an event such as the Sydney Cup.
The idea came up in talks between trainer Glen Thompson and the owners, yet opting for the smarter choice over the easier route means the talented stayer is set to compete in the Group 1 3200-metre feature at Randwick this 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.”
Whisky On The Hill delivered a touching victory for Thompson by taking out the Listed Roy Higgins Quality (2600m) at Flemington on March 28.
That success earned the gelding an automatic berth in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 3.
For now, attention turns to Randwick with expectations of rain to ease the track conditions by 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.”
A seasoned trainer, Thompson understands the uncertainties over the next seven months, and opportunities like the Sydney Cup don’t come often in Australia.
Damian Lane has partnered the six-year-old in his recent key triumphs, including the Roy Higgins and the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) at Flemington last 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 is listed at $15 odds for Saturday, while Ciaron Maher’s Mr Monaco leads as the $4.50 top pick.
Explore the Australian betting sites for the latest racing odds on the Sydney Cup.
