Antonio Giuseppe a 2016 The Metropolitan Hope

Trainer Chris Waller is hopeful that talented stayer Antonio Giuseppe will only continue to improve as he eyes a start in the Group 1 The Metropolitan (2400m) for the four-year-old on October 1st.

Trainer Chris Waller is hopeful that Antonio Giuseppe (inside) will make the grade for The Metropolitan 2016. Photo: Steve Hart

Trainer Chris Waller is hopeful that Antonio Giuseppe (inside) will make the grade for The Metropolitan 2016. Photo: Steve Hart

Jumping from the gates well in the Schweppes BM78 (1800m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, jockey Hugh Bowman elected to settle Antonio Giuseppe off the pace of the race’s early leaders and subsequently received an ideal run in transit.

Finding a clear line upon arriving at the final straight, the Shocking gelding left it late but produced a strong-enough sprint to beat a classy Four Carat on the line and claim a third-consecutive win from only four starts for Waller.

Waller was understandably pleased with the effort for success on Saturday, but told The Sunday Telegraph that Antonio Giuseppe faces an uphill task in being up to the class and ready for The Metropolitan 2016.

“He has had to sustain a long run, he was off the bridle from the 600m last start and again today (Saturday) but he still keeps fighting,” Waller said.

“I feel when he step him up in trip he will be even better as he won’t go through that flat spot as you saw at the 600m today. He will travel a lot better in his races.

“The dream is to get to The Metropolitan but we are pressed for time. He is going to have to skip a class somewhere to try to get there.”

Bowman was thrilled with the feel offered up by the four-year-old on Saturday and echoed Waller’s sentiments leading towards The Metropolitan.

“I think he will run a mile-and-a-half,” Bowman said.

“When he gets to that trip, the world is his oyster.”

Antonio Giuseppe began his racing career under the guidance of Murray Baker in New Zealand, but was transferred to Waller’s care after only three competitive starts in late 2015 and early 2016.

Clearly requiring a run when fifth in the Hyland Race Colours BM72 (1250m) first-up on July 27th, Antonio Giuseppe won each of the Hyland Race Colours BM67 (1550m) and Strassmeir BM82 (1500m) leading into his most recent triumph.

The Metropolitan 2016 field and barrier draw is due to be completed and released by midday, Wednesday September 28th.

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.