The well-performed gelding Althoff is currently sitting fourth in the initial markets for the Group 1 Epsom Handicap, although his connections are still contemplating whether he is truly a miler.

The Yulong family-owned five-year-old has achieved wins up to 1400m and finished fifth in the 2024 Callander-Presnell at his sole attempt beyond that distance. He is scheduled to test the 1500m journey again at Rosehill on Saturday in the Wests Group Macarthur Handicap.

Trainer Chris Waller has earmarked next year’s Magic Millions Cup (1400m) at the Gold Coast as Althoff’s main spring objective, but he is keeping an open mind about the rest of the horse’s campaign.

Waller has indicated that the gelding’s showing this weekend will be crucial in determining if they pull stumps and focus on summer racing, or if he gets another chance to prove his worth in a race such as the Epsom.

“We had (Yulong’s) Mr Zhang up in Sydney and looking at all the horses (this week), and one of the discussion points was that horse,” Waller commented.

“We think he might be a perfect horse for the Magic Millions Cup if we back off him after Saturday.

“A mile could stretch him. But this Saturday is 1500, and if he comes out and wins on Saturday we could think differently.”

A Group 3 placed performer as a juvenile, Althoff did not quite make the grade at three but has arguably returned in career-best form this season. He was a fast-finishing second to Carbonados first-up at Rosehill on August 1 and then delivered an arrogant victory in the Spring Preview (1400m), beating Group 1 performers Attica and Fully Lit.

Attica is a significant player in Epsom Handicap (1600m) markets at $11, with Althoff backed into $15 for the October 3 showpiece.

Explore the leading betting sites for the upcoming spring carnival.