The Terry Robinson-trained gelding is one of three previous winners lining up again on Saturday, along with 2019 victor Handle The Truth and barnstorming 2020 heroine It’s Me.
Robinson has been careful to replicate the pattern he followed 12 months ago, targeting the 1200m country feature first-up and off the back of one barrier trial.
Equally instrumental to Art Cadeau’s build-up has been a day out at Randwick, the horse tagging along with Robinson’s runners last weekend to let off steam before attempting to become the race’s first dual winner.
“We did it last year and on Kosciuszko day he was much more settled and relaxed, so we’re following the plan,” Robinson said.
“Just having a day out without racing, I think it helps some horses and it helped him last year.
“He was very nervous when he got off the float (last Saturday), but he settled well and he will better on the weekend. They’ve got to settle to perform properly.”
Art Cadeau has topweight of 60kg, 2.5 kg more than he carried to victory last year.
However, since then the gelding has been seasoned in black-type races, highlighted by his Group 3 placing in the Star Kingdom Stakes, and it’s that experience Robinson hopes can help offset Art Cadeau’s weight rise.
In what could be an omen, he has drawn barrier three, the same gate he jumped from last year, and Robinson’s remaining wish is for a drying track.
“I don’t think he’s as comfortable on a heavy track as what he is on a soft or good track,” Robinson said.
“The fact he raced in really good company last preparation, even though he only won one race, that’s really positive.
“He is a bit stronger in his work this time in, which he has to be to take the step this year because it’s a very strong race.”
A field of 14 country-trained horses, selected by winning slot holders, will compete for the $2 million purse on Saturday.
Trainer Brett Cavanough has reported to stewards that’s It’s Me has been treated for lameness in her off-fore foot and she will be inspected by Racing NSW vets on Thursday to ascertain her fitness to race.
