Althoff, a less-heralded member of the Chris Waller stable, achieved a significant career highlight at Rosehill, outclassing the Group 1 performer Attica with a superb Zac Lloyd ride.
Patiently handled in the midfield, Althoff ($3.60) saved ground before unleashing a decisive run in the straight to cross the line 2-1/4 lengths ahead of Attica ($3.10 fav). The Epsom Handicap placegetter, Fully Lit ($7), secured third place, a short neck further back.
“They never stop surprising you,” Waller stated. “He’s always been a consistent horse. He’s had a few niggles with his knees, and he’s obviously matured now and put all those little things behind him. Beautiful ride. Zac is riding with confidence. Horses feel that and that’s how he won.”
The five-year-old had indicated his well-being when finishing second to Carbonados at Rosehill on August 1. Despite a history of inconsistency for punters, Waller believes Althoff is capable of succeeding in a lower-grade stakes race when conditions align.
“I know he’s not an easy horse to follow, but when they return like that you like to think they can build towards something, and he did,” Waller commented. “He’s never been one we’ve thought too highly of, but we’ve thought enough of him to keep him going. He’s a good, Saturday money-spinning horse and if he had the perfect conditions, a race at Newcastle like the Cameron Handicap, or those type of second-tier Listed or Group Three races (could suit).”
Attica, conceding seven kilograms to the winner, put up a valiant effort to finish second.
Stable representative Brave Pride noted that Attica’s trials had suggested a sharper turn of foot, but his performance indicated he would benefit from a middle-distance test.
“Just the way he trialled, we thought he might have been a bit sharper today,” Brave Pride said. “He ground away nicely. (Jockey) Adam (Hyeronimus) was happy with him. He just said he probably wanted to be in that rhythm a bit longer over 2000 metres. We’ll press on, probably with the idea of getting more towards a mile-and-a-quarter.”
Althoff’s victory marked the fourth winner for Waller on the day, while Lloyd celebrated a riding treble. Punters looking for the next opportunity might find value by checking Australian betting sites for early markets.
