Developing stayer Campaldino advanced further in pursuit of his Sydney Cup dream via a solid success in the Randwick City Stakes.

As Tim Clark bided his time for balance with stablemate Alalcance pushing a steady pace ahead, Campaldino ($4.40) drove clear late among horses to pip Athabascan ($41) by 1-1/4 lengths, Juja Kibo ($4.20) trailing by a neck for third.

Previously from New Zealand, he captured four successive victories last season, highlighted by a Brisbane Cup (3200m) win in June, with the 2000m Saturday task being solely his second run back.

Co-trainer Adrian Bott was overjoyed at seeing the horse victorious again, positive about autumn prospects.

“Great to see him bounce back in such good shape second-up,” Bott said.

“I thought he was in for a nice campaign, and he is only going to keep improving as they get over ground. He showed that last preparation.

“He’s got those true staying capabilities and I’m looking forward to the campaign ahead.”

First-up post-November, Alalcance dug deep to claim sixth despite a substantial mid-race buffer, Bott affirming both are bound for the N E Manion Cup (2400m) at Rosehill in a couple of weeks.

“She was there for a long way so there is some good upside for her going forward as well,” Bott said.

“At this stage, they will push on to the Manion, through the Chairman’s Handicap and onto the Sydney Cup.

“It’s a program we have followed before and used it well.”

Clark mentioned the winner hesitated initially with the fast fraction but mustered his strength to dominate.

“I had to wait and let him build through when he was ready, and when he finally got into gear and had his revs up, he was always going to win,” Clark said.

“The good thing about him is he relaxes so well. He goes to sleep.”

The Sydney Cup (3200m) is scheduled for Randwick on April 11.

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