Improving stayer Campaldino took another stride toward his Sydney Cup ambition by claiming a strong victory in the Randwick City Stakes.
With Tim Clark allowing him time to settle as stablemate Alalcance dictated a strong pace up front, Campaldino ($4.40) powered through the field late to beat Athabascan ($41) by 1-1/4 lengths, while Juja Kibo ($4.20) was a neck further back in third.
The ex-New Zealand galloper notched four straight successes last campaign, finishing with a Brisbane Cup (3200m) triumph in June, and this 2000m effort marked only his second outing back.
Co-trainer Adrian Bott was delighted to witness the horse return to form, confident of his potential during the autumn series.
“Great to see him bounce back in such good shape second-up,” Bott said.
“I thought he was in for a nice campaign, and he is only going to keep improving as they get over ground. He showed that last preparation.
“He’s got those true staying capabilities and I’m looking forward to the campaign ahead.”
Returning from a November spell, Alalcance performed admirably by holding on for sixth after leading prominently mid-race, with Bott noting both runners are set for the N E Manion Cup (2400m) at Rosehill in two weeks.
“She was there for a long way so there is some good upside for her going forward as well,” Bott said.
“At this stage, they will push on to the Manion, through the Chairman’s Handicap and onto the Sydney Cup.
“It’s a program we have followed before and used it well.”
Clark noted the winner was slow to respond when the pace quickened, but his endurance prevailed in the closing stages.
“I had to wait and let him build through when he was ready, and when he finally got into gear and had his revs up, he was always going to win,” Clark said.
“The good thing about him is he relaxes so well. He goes to sleep.”
The Sydney Cup (3200m) will be held at Randwick on April 11.
Check out the latest Australian betting sites for Sydney Cup betting markets and secure the best odds on Campaldino.