Chris Waller is plotting a backdoor entry into the Group One Metropolitan with emerging stayer Sayed.
Sayed, a northern hemisphere-bred five-year-old, will be given his chance in provincial cups in the hope he can squeeze into the Metropolitan after winning at Randwick on Saturday.
Ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, the $4.60 favourite blew the field away in the Cobcroft Recognition Handicap, ripping open a 5-1/4-length margin over Get on the Grange ($11), who finished 3-1/4 lengths ahead of third placegetter Go Benny ($6.50).
Waller said The Metropolitan was a possible target for Sayed without knowing how the stayer’s spring could turn out.
“He’s a mature horse now so this is the time to get in with those up-and-coming horses with a light weight and into the Newcastle Cup and Wyong Cup,” Waller said.
McEvoy said Sayed, whose record is now five wins and three places from 11 starts, was full of running to the finishing post.
“He’s in good form,” McEvoy said.
