Connections of Saltcoats had to wait an extra few days for the running of the Premier’s Cup Prelude but their patience was rewarded when the progressive gelding recorded his fourth career win.
The 1800m event was part of Saturday’s washed out Randwick program and the only one of the 10 races reassigned to Wednesday’s midweek Kensington card.
Representing trainer Chris Waller, Darren Beadman said it was especially important the Prelude went ahead to keep the staying-type horses on target for races deeper into the spring.
“It was really important these types of horses were able to get the mileage in their legs, given they’re going to get over a bit of ground,” Beadman said.
“You could run them in a barrier trial over 1200 but they’re not going to get the same benefit.”
Saltcoats ($2.60 fav) arrived at the race third-up and off the back of an eye-catching third to Robusto in the Winter Challenge (1500m) on July 19.
Relishing the distance rise, he scooted along the inside in the straight to post a comfortable 2-1/4 length decision over Glory Daze ($2.90) with Salt Lake City ($7.50) holding down third.
Beadman confirmed the Group 3 Premier’s Cup (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday week was a likely next target for the winner.
“That looks the logical step for him and right progression,” he said.
The afternoon provided a career milestone for 22-year-old apprentice Siena Grima, who celebrated her first metropolitan win aboard Tazima for Waller in the Exceedance @ Vinery Stud Handicap (1800m).
Grima made the five-hour car trip from Tamworth for one ride after her only other mount, More Felons, was scratched from the Premier’s Cup Prelude and said the breakthrough success made it all the more worthwhile.
“I’m more than happy to do it to get my name out and around in the metro area and for the bigger trainers to see me and see what I can hopefully accomplish on their horses too,” a thrilled Grima said.
Tazima and Saltcoats formed part of a four-winner haul for Waller, Sydney’s premier trainer also collecting victories with three-year-old Sixties and Narbold.
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