The Parramatta Cup may not be the headline event at Rosehill this weekend, but it promises to offer a sneak peek at some key contenders for the Sydney autumn carnival.

Several promising stayers will compete in Saturday’s 1900-metre race, targeting major distance events like the Tancred Stakes (2400m) and Sydney Cup (3200m).

Chris Waller will field five horses in the race – Asterix, Francesco Guardi, Zechariah, Manzoice, and Kinesiology, though Etna Rosso, also from the stable, is likely to run in Melbourne.

Both Kinesiology and Asterix, who had solid efforts in the Gardenia Handicap (1600m) first-up, are aiming for the Group 1 Tancred Stakes on March 29. “They’re both top three chances,” Waller said. “Kinesiology will have a light autumn and might not go to the Sydney Cup, but Asterix could be good enough for a Tancred.”

Francesco Guardi often improves with each run, while Manzoice is in good form at home. However, the horse to watch is Zechariah, a Group 3 winner in England making his Sydney debut after a light spring in Victoria. “He’s really talented, and you’ll see something from him,” Waller said.

Kinesiology is currently the most fancied of the Waller runners at $9, with Our Anchorage the $2.40 favourite at online betting sites.