Patience paid off for the connections of Saltcoats, who took out the Premier’s Cup Prelude after the race was rescheduled from Randwick’s abandoned Saturday meeting. The 1800m feature was the only race transferred to Wednesday’s Kensington program from the washed-out card.

Chris Waller’s representative Darren Beadman emphasised that running the Prelude was vital to maintain the fitness of stayers preparing for major spring targets.

“It was really important these types of horses were able to get the mileage in their legs, given they’re going to get over a bit of ground,” Beadman said.

“You could run them in a barrier trial over 1200 but they’re not going to get the same benefit.”

Saltcoats, the $2.60 favourite, arrived at the race third-up after placing third to Robusto in the Winter Challenge (1500m) on July 19. He relished the step up to 1800m, slicing through along the rail to score by 2-1/4 lengths over Glory Daze ($2.90), with Salt Lake City ($7.50) in third.

Beadman confirmed the Group 3 Premier’s Cup (2000m) at Randwick next Saturday was the natural progression.

“That looks the logical step for him and right progression,” he said.

The day was also memorable for 22-year-old apprentice Siena Grima, who notched her first metropolitan victory aboard Tazima in the Exceedance @ Vinery Stud Handicap (1800m) for Waller. She made the five-hour journey from Tamworth for her only ride after More Felons was scratched from the Premier’s Cup Prelude.

“I’m more than happy to do it to get my name out and around in the metro area and for the bigger trainers to see me and see what I can hopefully accomplish on their horses too,” Grima said.

Waller enjoyed a four-win haul on the card, with Tazima, Saltcoats, three-year-old Sixties, and Narbold all successful.

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