Adrian Bott says French stayer Elamaz will be much sharper for his second-up assignment after blowing out late in the Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill last month.

The import, who won the McKell Cup (2000m) at his Australian debut, finished fifth to Birdman in a fast-run Kingston Town where the leader, Full Count Felicia, ensured a strong gallop from the outset.

“I thought he was going to be vulnerable whichever way the race went,” Bott said. “He loomed into it like he was going to run a nice race and just peaked. Back in trip slightly should benefit him and he’ll strip fitter for the run.”

Elamaz heads to Saturday’s Group 2 Hill Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill as a $7.50 chance, joining a field that includes Lindermann, Kovalica, Fawkner Park, Australian Cup winner Light Infantry Man and last year’s victor Attrition.

Tim Clark retains the ride, and Bott said that while there are no lofty spring targets, the gelding will remain in Sydney for upcoming feature races. “He will stay around for a couple of those races like the Craven Plate,” Bott said.

The Hill Stakes will be one of several big rides for Clark, who also teams with Beadman in the Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) and General Salute in the Alan Brown Stakes (1400m).

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