The Stayer’s Cup (2400m) presents a golden chance for Speycaster to secure back-to-back victories, with his camp buoyed by his recent form spike.
After a disappointing stint in Victoria, trainer Chris Waller transferred the six-year-old to Sydney. While his debut for the new stable in the Lord Mayors Cup (2000m) didn’t impress, his closing fourth in the Winter Cup (2400m) showed promise.
“He was much better last start,” Waller’s assistant Charlie Duckworth said. “He had been really plain and needed to lift but he did. I thought he was almost going to win at one point.”
“It’s just ultimately match fitness, especially with those older geldings.”
Speycaster overcame a similar form pattern last season when rebounding from a poor Winter Cup to claim the Stayer’s Cup, and he appears to be tracking along the same lines this time around. He’s priced at $6.50 in early markets.
Alegron, winner of the Brisbane Cup last year, also lines up but is struggling for form. Trainer Bjorn Baker’s team remain hopeful he can bounce back on familiar Sydney turf.
“In Queensland, they walked in the Brisbane Cup and went very fast home so he had no opportunity to get into the race,” said Luke Hilton. “If he can find his best he’s in that race on Saturday.”
Casual Connection, currently the $3.10 favourite, shapes as the main danger.
To place your bet on the Stayer’s Cup, explore Australia’s top-rated betting platforms at Just Horse Racing.