Stakes performer Campaldino has been performing below his usual standard this spring, but his trainers are determined to reignite his form, targeting the Sydney Gold Cup at Randwick.

Co-trainer Adrian Bott has made alterations to the gelding’s preparation, notably removing his blinkers, and is hopeful this will result in a more competitive effort on Saturday. Campaldino, the winner of the 2025 Brisbane Cup, secured a Listed victory in the autumn against Juja Kibo, a horse that has also claimed the Metropolitan and Moonee Valley Cups. However, he has finished unplaced in four runs this campaign, with his latest outing seeing him finish out of contention in the Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) at Caulfield on October 10.

“He was very consistent at that point (in the autumn), and he hasn’t brought that consistency this ‘prep’, so just trying to rejuvenate that, that’s the challenge,” Bott commented. “We’ve tried to freshen him up and reset. We took the blinkers off, and we’ve changed a few things around with him the last few weeks.”

Bott elaborated, “That said, it’s probably not the best set-up for him coming back to 2000, but it does lead him into a nice race in a few weeks’ time where he should be most effective.” That anticipated race is The Beauford (2300m) at Newcastle on November 14, though Bott is keen to see a positive showing on Saturday and is cautiously optimistic.

While the stable has two Group 1 contenders at Flemington – Cold Shower in the Victoria Derby (2500m) and Surfin’ Bird in the Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) – Metallic Cat will be their sole Sydney representative in the E Security Group Handicap (1300m) and is considered a strong chance.

Following a nail-biting finish first-up, the mare faced defeat as the favourite last start. Bott suggested she might have been suffering from ‘second-up syndrome’. “Whether she just bounced off that tough first-up run because she wasn’t as effective as she could have been and raced a bit flat,” Bott pondered. “She looks really well within herself and she’s doing a good job.” Tim Clark is set to partner both Tulloch Lodge runners at Randwick.

For those looking to bet on the Sydney Gold Cup, check out the available Australian betting sites.