An emerging gelding, Anthracite, who faced career uncertainty just three months ago, is now set to be among the leading chances for a $750,000 race at Randwick.
Trainer Joe Pride has confirmed that Anthracite will back up from his determined win over a mile at the same track last weekend, taking his place in Saturday’s Listed Sydney Gold Cup (2000m).
That victory represented Anthracite’s third success in his past four starts, a significant improvement from his early efforts for Pride where he struggled to make an impact in midweek company.
“He’d been quite raw, and in his early runs, quite arrogant and not easy to get on with,” Pride said. “But he’s really starting to think the right way now, and that’s why we’re seeing him going through the grades. He needed to improve his manners, and he’s done that, and we’re starting to see what kind of horse he can be.”
Anthracite has led the field in two of his last three wins, but he was unable to find the front last weekend and still managed to get the job done.
Pride admits that the win wasn’t the most stylish, but it showcased the horse’s developing abilities.
“I like him in front but there wasn’t much we could do there. Winona (Costin on Thrice) wanted to take it up. He did everything wrong and still won,” Pride stated. “He’s showing each time he goes out there that he’s got some serious cardio happening. He’s not an overly big horse, but he’s got a proper engine.”
Furthermore, the six-year-old’s physical constitution has been particularly noteworthy.
The Sydney Gold Cup will be the ninth race of his current campaign, and he has shown no signs of fatigue, thriving on the regular competition.
“He’s pretty tough. The runs just don’t touch the sides. Every time he runs he looks better,” Pride added.
With the import Perisher scratched to contest a benchmark race earlier in the program, Starzintheireyes was the $4.20 favourite on Wednesday, ahead of Barrengarry ($4.80) and Anthracite ($5).
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