Tom Charlton is of the opinion that Cross Tasman has encountered the perfect race this Saturday at Royal Randwick to secure another win.
This five-year-old gelding has been a consistent performer throughout his career, achieving four victories and six placings from eleven starts. His recent form includes runner-up finishes in both starts since his spell recommenced, first in the Goulburn Cup and then behind the talented Decorum at Rosehill three weeks ago.
Cross Tasman will participate in the HKJC World Pool Handicap, a Benchmark 88 contest. Charlton, who trains in partnership with John O’Shea, indicated that the horse possesses the requisite form for the 1400-metre race.
“It was a strong performance last time,” Charlton said. “We just nearly had the winner in a pocket which would have potentially changed things but the winner there looks a group horse and he gapped out third. He’s really progressing nicely and he’ll present a good chance this weekend.”
Michael Freedman’s runner, Decorum, is entered for The Silver Eagle on Saturday. While O’Shea & Charlton have entered Napoleonic, Charlton mentioned that the stable is leaning towards running him in the Sydney Stakes over 1200 metres.
Following Saturday’s race, Cross Tasman is also being considered for some of Sydney’s prestigious Spring Carnival races, with a likely attempt at the $750,000 Little Dance on Melbourne Cup day being a key target after this weekend.
“He is qualified for the Little Dance on Cup day having placed in the Goulburn Cup first up and that would seem a logical route for him after Saturday,” Charlton explained. “The Five Diamonds over 1800 metres is not out of the realms of possibility as well, it would be a five day backup but it’s something we’ll have in the back of our mind as well.”
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