The Chris Waller-trained Kadavar is aiming to join a growing list of progressive types to emerge from the Lord Mayors Cup (2000m), a race that has recently launched horses to Group 1 success.

Previous winners Eliyass, Bois D’Argent, and Polly Grey have all gone on to prove themselves at the elite level, and the Waller camp is hopeful Kadavar can follow a similar path after a breakthrough summer campaign that included a win in the Christmas Cup (2400m).

“He might be better than the Sydney winter features,” said Waller’s assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth. “He could potentially be a Melbourne Cup horse for us. His record is outstanding.”

Kadavar resumed with a strong seventh in the Scone Cup (1600m), and with Rachel King unavailable this weekend, Kerrin McEvoy will take over the ride at Rosehill.

“Rachel was really impressed with him and felt he was unlucky not to win first-up. Getting out to 2000m will be more suitable,” Duckworth said.

Waller has a strong presence in the race, also nominating First Light, Speycaster, and Etna Rosso, though Etna Rosso is also accepted for the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2400m) at Eagle Farm.

Speycaster has been below his best in Melbourne and returns to Sydney in search of form. “He’s had excuses, but we’re hoping a change of scenery helps him bounce back,” Duckworth added.

New Zealand rider Wiremu Pinn will partner Speycaster, having recently arrived in Sydney for a three-month stint with the Waller team.