Connections of the in-form stayer Tazima are optimistic that their patience will be rewarded as the horse targets a fourth consecutive victory at Randwick.
The gelding has been kept fresh since achieving his third win on July 11, with trainer Chris Waller confirming they had specifically targeted Saturday’s Premier’s Cup Prelude (1800m) at Randwick as an ideal race.
“He’s at the end of his ‘prep’, but he’s four weeks between runs, and we’ve had this race in mind,” Waller stated.
“He has won with authority at his last couple, and he’s pretty versatile on all tracks.
“The 1800 metre distance is just perfect so no excuses. He should be very hard to beat.”
Bookmakers are in agreement, listing Tazima as the $1.95 favourite, ahead of OTI Racing’s Boniface ($3.30), who has finished runner-up to the favourite in his past two starts.
Apprentice jockey Siena Grima has partnered Tazima for his last three wins, but James McDonald will take the ride this weekend, while Grima partners stablemate Matusalem ($7).
Matusalem’s last start saw him produce his best work late when finishing sixth to General Salute in the Winter Stakes (1400m) last month, a return that caught Waller’s attention.
“Matusalem’s first-up run was great. He had a trial last week so he’s ready for 1800 second-up,” he said.
“Tazima is the top seed, clearly, and unfortunately that’s why Siena isn’t riding him. James (McDonald) is our top seed. She’s got a great record with the horse, and she still gets a ride in the race.”
Elliptical ($17) and Unlimited ($26) complete Waller’s team for the Premier’s Cup Prelude, with the trainer expecting Elliptical to appreciate a drier surface and Unlimited to need some luck from a wide draw.
The race also marks the return of Sam Hawkens ($13), a former stayer trained by William Haggas.
The gelding did not quite reach expectations in three runs for John O’Shea and Tom Charlton earlier this year, but looked strong winning a recent trial and is considered an improver in his second full Australian campaign.
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