An extended winter campaign for Rialya hinges on his Tattersall’s Cup performance.

Gary Kennewell, who is overseeing Rialya’s Brisbane preparation for his son Lloyd, is prepared to forgive his Ipswich Cup failure last Saturday but warned another below-par performance at Eagle Farm could see him head to the spelling paddock.

“If he ran really well or won on Saturday we’d consider the Queensland Cup for him a fortnight later if the owner agrees,” Kennewell said.

“The two miles would really suit him being an Adelaide Cup winner but whether or not he stays on for that will depend on how he goes in the Tatt’s Cup.”

Rialya will race in a different bit on Saturday after over-racing in the Ipswich Cup when he finished eighth to Anagold.

“He got very keen the other day and once he lobbed third on the fence he began to pull like a train,” Kennewell said.

“He was in a bit of an awkward position with Voila Ici on his outside and he was locked away on the fence when he needed a bit of room to move.”

Kennewell is confident backing up in the Tatt’s Cup won’t be an issue for Rialya.

“In Melbourne a couple of years ago he ran three or four weeks straight and won a race at Moonee Valley at the end of it all so he seems to butter up well,” he said.

“Hopefully this week he can sit outside the leader or roll to the front and he might give them a bit of a run for their money with a bit of luck.”

Track conditions are vital to the Cup chances of Rothera, according to jockey Ric McMahon.

“There’s no doubt he’s a better horse on a wet track but if it’s dry his chances are probably restricted a bit,” he said.

“When it’s wet he gets through the going really quickly while it’s a bit of a slog for the others.”

Trainer Brian Smith rated Rothera unlucky when he finished fifth in the Brisbane Cup after he was shuffled out approaching the home turn.