In recent times, leviathan owner Lloyd Williams has traditionally avoided the Sydney autumn carnival, believing it was too difficult to have a horse peaking twice in a year.
For an owner who had one focus – the Melbourne Cup – this ruled out the riches of the Sydney carnival.
However, it looks like the tide may be turning with a number of his stable stars nominated for the first day of the Rosehill carnival on Saturday.
Leading the way is his veteran galloper Zipping, who was ruled out of last Saturday’s Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington.
Williams said that Zipping would need two weeks off, meaning that a run this Saturday is unlikely.
However, he is among two nominations from the Lloyd Williams camp for the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m), along with enigmatic 2008 New Zealand Derby winner C’est La Guerre.
C’est La Guerre ran a disappointing 13th in the Australian Cup but tends to improve when he runs clockwise – as they do in Sydney.
He is also among nominations for the Listed Sky High Stakes (1900m), with stablemates Base and I’m Imposing also nominated.
Base is coming off a midweek win at Sandown over 1800m, but he is an improving Zabeel gelding with plenty of scope.
I’m Imposing ran an impressive first up sixth in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) on Saturday behind Whobegotyou.
The Sydney carnival will be much richer for Lloyd Williams’ participation, and there is no doubt that racing administrators will be hoping that Zipping is seen in Sydney at some stage in the next few weeks.
Written by Andrew Hawkins
