Advancing stayer Campaldino progressed closer to Sydney Cup contention with a convincing score in the Randwick City Stakes.
Tim Clark patiently let him locate stride as fellow stable runner Alalcance maintained a brisk rhythm in front, allowing Campaldino ($4.40) to burst through late and overcome Athabascan ($41) by 1-1/4 lengths, Juja Kibo ($4.20) a neck adrift in third.
The past New Zealand performer tallied four wins in a row last preparation, sealed by a Brisbane Cup (3200m) conquest in June, and the 2000m Saturday race was merely his second appearance since.
Co-trainer Adrian Bott relished the horse’s resurgence to the podium, upbeat on his autumn outlook.
“Great to see him bounce back in such good shape second-up,” Bott said.
“I thought he was in for a nice campaign, and he is only going to keep improving as they get over ground. He showed that last preparation.
“He’s got those true staying capabilities and I’m looking forward to the campaign ahead.”
Resuming after November, Alalcance ran stoutly to sixth following an early dominance, Bott declaring the pair destined for the N E Manion Cup (2400m) at Rosehill in 14 days.
“She was there for a long way so there is some good upside for her going forward as well,” Bott said.
“At this stage, they will push on to the Manion, through the Chairman’s Handicap and onto the Sydney Cup.
“It’s a program we have followed before and used it well.”
Clark explained the champ was caught flat-footed at the acceleration but his staying trait activated terminally.
“I had to wait and let him build through when he was ready, and when he finally got into gear and had his revs up, he was always going to win,” Clark said.
“The good thing about him is he relaxes so well. He goes to sleep.”
The Sydney Cup (3200m) occurs at Randwick on April 11.
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