The Parramatta Cup might not be the headline act at Rosehill this weekend, but it is set to be a key indicator for the Sydney autumn carnival.
Several quality stayers will contest Saturday’s 1900-metre event as they gear up for longer-distance races such as the Tancred Stakes (2400m) and Sydney Cup (3200m).
Chris Waller will have a strong presence in the race, saddling up five contenders—Asterix, Francesco Guardi, Zechariah, Manzoice, and Kinesiology—while another stablemate, Etna Rosso, is entered but expected to run in Melbourne instead.
Kinesiology, a former Irish runner, and 2022 New Zealand Derby champion Asterix caught the eye when running on well for sixth and seventh in the Gardenia Handicap (1600m) first-up. Waller is targeting both towards the Group 1 Tancred Stakes on March 29.
“They’re both capable of featuring in the top three. They’ve come out of their first-up runs in great shape,” Waller said.
“Kinesiology is likely to have a light autumn and may bypass the Sydney Cup. I see him as more of a spring carnival prospect.
“Asterix has shown some speed in his trials, and his first-up effort was solid. If he can rediscover his New Zealand Derby form, he’ll be right in the mix for the Tancred. Kinesiology is on a similar trajectory.”
Francesco Guardi resumes in the Parramatta Cup, and while he usually improves later in his campaign, Waller is pleased with Manzoice’s progress, stating, “this is the kind of race that suits him.”
However, the real wildcard in the field could be Zechariah, an English Group 3 winner making his Sydney debut after a three-run spring preparation in Victoria.
Holding nominations for the Tancred Stakes, Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m), and Sydney Cup (3200m), Zechariah is one to watch.
“He had a light spring and joined the action late, but he’s a horse with plenty of ability,” Waller said.
“You’ll see something from him. He’s first-up over 1900m, but he raced in December, so he has a fitness edge.”
Kinesiology is the shortest-priced of Waller’s runners at $9, with Our Anchorage heading the market at $2.40 with online betting sites.
