Trainer Chris Waller believes that he can make a case for the winning chances of all three of his runners in the Listed Christmas Cup (2400m) at the Randwick Kensington track tomorrow.
Secessio is a narrow favourite in 2013 Christmas Cup betting markets. Photo by: Steve Hart
Hoylonny, Secessio and Permit have all followed a similar path this preparation and Hoylonny has had the upper hand over his stablemates; winning the Wingham Handicap (1900m) at Rosehill Gardens on November 16 before finishing second behind Travolta in the Listed ATC Cup (2000m).
Waller admits that Hoylonny is a question mark over 2400 metres, with the gelding finishing tenth in the 2012 Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) in his only previous tilt over the distance, but is confident that the son of Lonhro can continue his good form this weekend.
“Hoylonny it is easy to make a case for because he is back in form and racing very well,” Waller said.
“You could say that the trip might be a query and from memory he has only had the one go at it and that was in the Derby.
“That was at the end of a long three-year-old preparation.
“He has been hitting the line, he is in great form and I think that he is a great chance from a good draw.”
Secessio started his summer preparation with an impressive victory in the Filante Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens on November 2 and continued that strong form with third place finishes in the Wingham Handicap and the ATC Cup.
The Konigstiger gelding recorded a dominant two lengths victory over Piazza San Pietro and Diamond Jim in his only previous start over 24000 metres and Waller believes that the four-year-old is ready to return to the winners stall.
“He loves the trip and I am just hoping that they put a bit of water on the Kensington track because if anything it dries a bit too quick,” Waller said.
“He is ready to win and he has had the right preparation for this race.”
Imported stayer Permit has been unable to recapture the form that saw him take out the Listed Manion Cup (2400m) and Group 2 Chairman’s Quality (2600m) during the 2012 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival but returned to a semblance of his best form with a second place finish in the Wingham Handicap.
The Dansili gelding failed to fire in the ATC Cup but Waller believes that the six-year-old will get a much better run into the race in the Christmas Cup on Saturday.
“Permit ran well behind Hoylonny two starts ago and then failed last time,” Waller said.
“It was mainly due to the fact that he couldn’t get cover and if he can get cover from his good draw on Saturday he might just turn-the-tables.
“He should run very well.”
Secessio ($3.40) is a narrow favourite in 2013 Christmas Cup betting markets from Hoylonny ($3.50), Maluckyday ($5), Permit ($5.50) and Martinvast ($5.50).
