Godolphin is confident that a non-traditional lead-up won’t hinder Zardozi’s prospects in the Sydney Cup, with the stable convinced she’s racing like a true stayer.

While most contenders in Saturday’s 3200m feature have taken the usual route with longer-distance races, Zardozi is coming off a placing in the Australian Cup over just 2000 metres.

Darren Beadman, assistant to trainer James Cummings, says her previous staying performances have already proven she can handle the two-mile trip.

“She’s had the benefit of a run over the two miles in the Melbourne Cup and it was an outstanding performance to run fourth,” Beadman said.

“She probably hasn’t had the traditional lead-up races to run in the Sydney Cup but she did show a hint of dourness in her last couple of runs, hence the reason James and the team have elected to go this way with her.

“We know she can run a good, strong two miles and if there is a bit of rain around that will certainly suit her. She’s a very tough mare.”

Cummings took a similar gamble last spring, backing her up in the Empire Rose Stakes just days before her strong Melbourne Cup effort.

Despite her recent runs being over shorter distances, Zardozi has experience at 2400 metres and beyond, which gives the stable confidence she’s up to the task.

She will be ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, who has already claimed two Sydney Cup victories, and she will jump from barrier three.

This year’s Sydney Cup has drawn a full field of 20 runners. Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott’s Alalcance is the standout favourite after a runaway win in the Chairman’s Handicap (2600m) last start.

Topweight duties fall to Duke De Sessa, the Caulfield Cup winner, who carries 56.5kg. A victory would make him only the third horse in 26 years to win the Cup with more than 56kg, joining Tie The Knot (57kg in 1999) and Mourayan (58kg in 2013).