Stayers set to showcase carnival wares in Parramatta Cup 2025

JustHorseRacing

11 months ago

The Parramatta Cup might not be the headline event at Rosehill this Saturday, but it is shaping up as a key form reference for Sydney’s autumn carnival.

A strong field of stayers will line up for the 1900-metre contest, using it as a stepping stone towards major races such as the Tancred Stakes (2400m) and the Sydney Cup (3200m).

Chris Waller will saddle up five runners in the event—Asterix, Francesco Guardi, Zechariah, Manzoice, and Kinesiology—while another stablemate, Etna Rosso, has also been entered but is more likely to compete in Melbourne.

Kinesiology and Asterix, both former international gallopers, caught the eye when finishing sixth and seventh, respectively, in the Gardenia Handicap (1600m) first-up. Waller has his sights set on the Group 1 Tancred Stakes with both horses.

“They are genuine top-three contenders and have taken improvement from their first run,” Waller said.

“Kinesiology will have a relatively light autumn and may not press on to the Sydney Cup. I see him as a spring horse.”

“Asterix trialed well and ran nicely first-up. If he finds his New Zealand Derby-winning form, he can be competitive in a Tancred. Kinesiology is on a similar trajectory.”

Francesco Guardi returns to action in the Parramatta Cup and is expected to improve as he gets deeper into his campaign, while Waller has been pleased with the progress of Manzoice.

However, the most intriguing runner could be Zechariah. A former Group 3 winner in England, he had a light spring campaign in Victoria and will now make his Sydney debut. He holds entries for the Tancred Stakes, Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m), and Sydney Cup (3200m).

“He didn’t have a heavy spring, but he’s very talented,” Waller said.

“He’s coming off a December race, so he still has fitness on his side.”

Kinesiology is currently the shortest-priced Waller runner at $9, with Our Anchorage heading the betting markets at $2.40 through online betting sites.

While the Parramatta Cup may not be the main attraction at Rosehill this weekend, it could prove to be an important form guide for Sydney’s upcoming autumn features.

Several promising stayers will contest the 1900-metre event on Saturday as they prepare for major targets like the Tancred Stakes (2400m) and the Sydney Cup (3200m).

Leading trainer Chris Waller has a strong hand in the race, with five runners—Asterix, Francesco Guardi, Zechariah, Manzoice, and Kinesiology—while another, Etna Rosso, has been nominated but is expected to race in Melbourne instead.

Kinesiology and Asterix, both having their second runs this campaign, finished strongly for sixth and seventh, respectively, in the Gardenia Handicap (1600m) last start. Waller is considering a path to the Group 1 Tancred Stakes for both gallopers.

“They’re both in great shape and capable of finishing in the top three,” Waller said.

“Kinesiology will have a lighter autumn and may not push on to the Sydney Cup, as I believe he is more suited to the spring.”

“Asterix has shown good speed in his trials, and his first-up run was solid. If he can recapture his New Zealand Derby-winning form, he’ll be right in the mix for a Tancred. Kinesiology is following a similar progression.”

Francesco Guardi resumes in the Parramatta Cup but tends to perform better later in his preparation. Meanwhile, Manzoice has been tracking well, and Waller believes this race suits him.

The wildcard in the field could be Zechariah, a former UK Group 3 winner who makes his first Sydney appearance after a light Victorian spring campaign. The talented import holds nominations for the Tancred Stakes, Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m), and Sydney Cup (3200m).

“He had a relatively easy spring, but he has plenty of ability,” Waller said.

“He raced in December, so he retains some residual fitness, which will help first-up over 1900m.”

Kinesiology is currently rated a $9 chance, with Our Anchorage heading the betting at $2.40 with online betting sites.