Connections of the in-form gelding Tazima are optimistic their patience will pay off as the horse aims for a fourth consecutive victory at Randwick.
The stayer has been kept fresh since achieving his third win on July 11, with trainer Chris Waller indicating they purposefully selected Saturday’s Premier’s Cup Prelude (1800m) at Randwick as a prime target.
“He’s at the end of his ‘prep’, but he’s four weeks between runs, and we’ve had this race in mind,” Waller stated.
“He has won with authority at his last couple, and he’s pretty versatile on all tracks.
“The 1800 metre distance is just perfect so no excuses. He should be very hard to beat.”
Bookmakers share this view, listing Tazima as the $1.95 favourite, ahead of OTI Racing’s Boniface ($3.30), who has been the runner-up to the favourite in his last two outings.
Jockey James McDonald will partner Tazima this weekend, replacing apprentice Siena Grima, who has guided the gelding to his last three wins. Grima will instead ride stablemate Matusalem ($7) in the opposition.
Matusalem’s most recent performance saw him finish sixth to General Salute in the Winter Stakes (1400m) last month, a run that impressed Waller.
“Matusalem’s first-up run was great. He had a trial last week so he’s ready for 1800 second-up,” he commented.
“Tazima is the top seed, clearly, and unfortunately that’s why Siena isn’t riding him. James (McDonald) is our top seed. She’s got a great record with the horse, and she still gets a ride in the race.”
Waller’s other runners in the Premier’s Cup Prelude are Elliptical ($17) and Unlimited ($26). He anticipates Elliptical will benefit from a firmer track, while Unlimited faces a challenge from a wide barrier.
The race also signifies the return of Sam Hawkens ($13), a former stayer trained by William Haggas.
After a less-than-successful three-start stint with John O’Shea and Tom Charlton earlier this year, the gelding showed promising form winning a recent trial and is considered a potential improver in his second full Australian racing season.
Consider checking out the leading Australian betting sites for the best racing odds.
