After securing a key qualifier for the Big Dance, promising gelding Sarrismo now eyes his upcoming assignment – an assessment of his black-type potential in the Listed The Coast at Gosford.
Unbeaten in the top three across nine outings, the gelding has notched a trio of successes this preparation, following triumphs at Warwick Farm and Doomben with victory in the Orange Cup (1600m) on April 19, earning a spot in the Big Dance contention.
Tom Charlton has outlined the $3 million spectacle at Randwick on Melbourne Cup Day as Sarrismo’s ultimate target, though the handler is eager to gauge the four-year-old’s response to stakes company this Saturday.
“That will be his primary aim in the spring,” Charlton said of the Big Dance.
“I guess we just work out whether this will finish him for the campaign, or whether we push on for one more run.
This preparation, he seems to be putting it together. He’s won his three runs, and looks to be stepping forward each time.
It’s his toughest test, but it looks like the right option to have a crack.”
Andrew Adkins guided Sarrismo to success at Orange and keeps the mount in the $500,000 Gosford event, with the gelding easing in weight from 61kg to the 53kg minimum.
Facing rivals such as Group 2 victor Depth Of Character and recent winner Rotagilla, the contest promises a solid gauge of Sarrismo’s ability, with initial bettors supporting his prospects to make him the $4.80 top pick.
“He will have to improve, but he’s drawn well so he should naturally be able to be ridden in a forward position, which should suit him,” Charlton said.
“We will see where he fits into that next grade.”
With Cristal Clear, prepared by Annabel and Rob Archibald, scratched early, 11 contenders will face the starter in The Coast, where seven entrants sit at $10 or shorter in a competitive wagering landscape.
Explore betting markets for the race at Australian betting sites ahead of Sarrismo’s big test in The Coast at Gosford.