Connections of in-form stayer Tazima are hoping their patience is rewarded when the horse chases a fourth straight win at Randwick.
The gelding has been kept on ice since making it a hat-trick of victories on July 11, trainer Chris Waller saying they’ve deliberately waited for Saturday’s Premier’s Cup Prelude (1800m) at Randwick, which has been identified as an ideal target.
“He’s at the end of his ‘prep’, but he’s four weeks between runs, and we’ve had this race in mind,” Waller said.
“He has won with authority at his last couple, and he’s pretty versatile on all tracks.
“The 1800 metre distance is just perfect so no excuses. He should be very hard to beat.”
Bookmakers agree, marking Tazima at $1.95, ahead of OTI Racing’s Boniface ($3.30), who has finished runner-up to the favourite at his past two starts.
Apprentice Siena Grima has partnered Tazima to his past three wins, but James McDonald jumps aboard this weekend, Grima in the opposition corner aboard stablemate Matusalem ($7).
The latter tackles the race after doing his best work late when sixth to General Salute in the Winter Stakes (1400m) last month in a return that caught Waller’s eye.
“Matusalem’s first-up run was great. He had a trial last week so he’s ready for 1800 second-up,” he said.
“Tazima is the top seed, clearly, and unfortunately that’s why Siena isn’t riding him. James (McDonald) is our top seed. She’s got a great record with the horse, and she still gets a ride in the race.”
Elliptical ($17) and Unlimited ($26) round out Waller’s Premier’s Cup Prelude team and he expects the former to appreciate a drier surface, while Unlimited will need luck from an outside draw.
The race also marks the return of former William Haggas-trained stayer Sam Hawkens ($13).
The gelding didn’t quite hit the mark in three runs for John O’Shea and Tom Charlton earlier this year, but looked strong winning a recent trial, and shapes as an improver in what will be his second full Australian campaign.
