Stablemates Lord Olympus and Marway have been on a collision course this spring and that isn’t set to change any time soon.
The pair have clashed in both campaign runs, Marway finishing ahead of his barn mate first-up and Lord Olympus getting a win on the board last start.
The pair again go head-to-head in the Southern Cross Group Handicap (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday and trainer Mark Newnham says that while there is little between them, he expects Marway to peak after this run.
The sprinter returned to work with a woolly coat and it has taken a few runs to come right.
“He’s nearly there. This run will top him off,” Newnham said.
“He’s been a bit similar to last prep, but he got away with it then because he was down in grade.
“He’s in a good grade of race now so he’s got to be close to full fitness to win.”
Marway has drawn gate 11 on Saturday while Lord Olympus has fared better with barrier two.
The winner of six of his 13 starts, including the Listed Mick Dittman Stakes at Doomben in April, Lord Olympus rarely finishes out of the placings and Newnham is expecting another competitive performance at Randwick.
“He is a good, consistent horse. He’s got a good winning record, he’s won nearly half his starts and he’s won at Listed level,” Newnham said.
“Both he and Marway will go to the Choisir (Handicap) on Melbourne Cup day at Randwick. I may step Marway up in trip after that, but this fellow will stay to races 1200 metres and shorter.”
