The in-form gelding Althoff is currently fourth in early betting for the Group 1 Epsom Handicap, though his connections are yet to be fully convinced of his ability as a miler.
Having won up to 1400m, the Yulong family-owned five-year-old finished fifth in the 2024 Callander-Presnell, his sole start beyond that distance. He will again test the 1500m trip at Rosehill this Saturday in the Wests Group Macarthur Handicap.
Trainer Chris Waller has set the Group 1 Magic Millions Cup (1400m) at the Gold Coast for next year as Althoff’s ultimate objective, but he is keeping an open mind regarding the rest of the horse’s spring campaign.
Waller has indicated that the gelding’s performance this weekend will dictate whether they conclude his campaign with summer racing in mind or provide him with another opportunity to prove his capabilities in a race such as 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 said.
“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.”
Althoff, who was Group 3 placed as a juvenile and didn’t quite reach the heights of better grade at three, has arguably returned in career-best form this season. His last start saw him produce a fast-finishing second to Carbonados first-up at Rosehill on August 1, followed by an impressive victory in the Spring Preview (1400m), where he defeated Group 1 performers Attica and Fully Lit.
Attica is a notable contender in Epsom Handicap (1600m) markets at $11, while Althoff has seen his odds shorten to $15 for the October 3 feature.
Check out the latest Australian betting sites to get the best odds on Althoff’s next start.