James McDonald, a top-tier jockey, faces a challenge as he partners River Of Stars in the Tancred Stakes at Rosehill.
River Of Stars, one of six Chris Waller-trained runners in the staying feature, is among two European imports making their Australian debut.
Assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth shared that McDonald had the choice of rides but opted to stick with River Of Stars after galloping her twice in quarantine and again this week.
“‘J Mac’ was given the option of all the runners. He went and galloped River Of Stars twice in quarantine, as well as on Tuesday this week and he opted to stick with her despite the awkward draw,” Duckworth said.
“His gut instinct led him to choose her over stablemate Zarir.”
Both River Of Stars and Zarir have Group 1 credentials from overseas, and they will compete alongside Land Legend, Asterix, Zechariah, and Kinesiology.
Zechariah was an unlucky third in the Randwick City Stakes (2000m) after being blocked in the straight.
Duckworth believes the 3200m distance of the Sydney Cup suits all six runners, with the rain potentially making it a true staying test.