Travolta will get another chance to secure a Metropolitan berth when he lines up in Friday’s Group 3 Newcastle Cup (2300m).
The five-year-old was narrowly denied in the City Tattersall’s Club Cup, undone by a daring front-running ride from James McDonald on Changingoftheguard. Assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth believes that run will prove valuable.
“It just got away from him a little bit … but we won’t worry about spilt milk,” Duckworth said. “The 2300 will be no issue and hopefully he can get himself right up the order in terms of getting into the Metropolitan.”
Waller has claimed six of the past 10 Newcastle Cups and saddles four runners this year, led by Travolta ($3.40) and favourite Soul Of Spain ($2.15).
The latter steps up in class after a pair of dominant Queensland wins.
“He’s got a good action … he’s one where we don’t really know where the ceiling is,” Duckworth said.
The Newcastle Cup headlines a strong card that also features the Cameron Handicap and the Tibbie Stakes.