A minor placing in midweek grade might not seem like an ideal form reference for the Stayers Cup, but Adrian Bott is banking on natural improvement and fitness helping Centenario make the transition.
The former New Zealander finished third over 2400m on the Kensington track last start and with the benefit of that effort over the journey, along with a 6-1/2 kilo weight drop, Bott expects Centenario to better equipped for Saturday’s test at Rosehill.
“He’s a bit out of his grade, but true weight can hopefully help offset that,” Bott said.
“I feel he’s improving nicely, and he may have needed that strong run at the distance last start because he has come on well.
“I expect to see continued improvement from him, and it’s the right time of the preparation to be testing him.”
Bott and co-trainer Gai Waterhouse will also be represented by three-year-olds Albany Road and Lady Invictus in the Kia Ora Bloodlines to Headlines Handicap (1100m).
Albany Road strung together back-to-back wins over the distance in the summer and if he can overcome a wide draw, Bott expects him to sprint well fresh.
“It took us a while to figure him out,” Bott said.
“It’s an awkward draw for him, but he’s a horse that gets back in his races anyway and enjoys the speed on. He might need a bit of luck, but he has come back better this time around.”
Lady Invictus earned an opportunity in Saturday grade with a smart first-up win at midweek level.
That was just her second start, and Bott said the daughter of super sire I Am Invincible had continued to please them at home.
“That was a really good win. She’s up quickly in grade, but she has improved nicely, and there was a lot to like about her performance at Warwick Farm,” he said.
“She has trained on the right way, and it looks a nice race for her.
“It’s a good time of year for these three-year-olds to try to step up into that grade and take that next step in their careers.”
