In-form gelding Althoff is currently listed as the fourth favourite in the early markets for the Group 1 Epsom Handicap, although his connections are still to be fully convinced of his credentials as a genuine miler.

The five-year-old, owned by the Yulong family and having won up to 1400m, secured a fifth-place finish in the 2024 Callander-Presnell during his only previous start over a longer trip. He is slated to again test the distance at Rosehill this Saturday in the Wests Group Macarthur Handicap (1500m).

Trainer Chris Waller has designated next year’s Magic Millions Cup (1400m) at the Gold Coast as Althoff’s ultimate spring target, but he is maintaining an open mind regarding the remainder of the horse’s campaign.

Waller has indicated that the gelding’s performance this weekend will be a decisive factor in whether they conclude his campaign with summer racing in mind, or if he will be given another opportunity to prove his capabilities in a race like the Epsom.

“We had (Yulong’s) Mr Zhang up in Sydney and looking at all the horses (this week), and one of the discussion points was that horse,” Waller stated.

“We think he might be a perfect horse for the Magic Millions Cup if we back off him after Saturday.

“A mile could stretch him. But this Saturday is 1500, and if he comes out and wins on Saturday we could think differently.”

Althoff, who was placed at Group 3 level as a juvenile and didn’t quite measure up at three, has arguably returned in career-best form this season. He registered a fast-finishing second to Carbonados first-up at Rosehill on August 1, and followed that with a dominant win in the Spring Preview (1400m), defeating Group 1 performers Attica and Fully Lit.

Attica is a notable contender in Epsom Handicap (1600m) markets at $11, while Althoff has been backed into $15 for the October 3 feature event.

Compare the latest online bookmakers for the Epsom Handicap.