Spring star Kolding (NZ) (Ocean Park) is among four late entries for the Group Two Expressway Stakes bringing the nominations to 11.
The winner of the Epsom Handicap and the inaugural $7.5 million Golden Eagle, the Chris Waller-trained four-year-old was joined by 2019 Golden Slipper winner Kiamichi, veteran Sir Bacchus and Vegadaze as additional entries on Tuesday for Saturday’s 1200m-sprint.
Godolphin’s Kiamichi led all the way to win a Group And Listed barrier trial at Rosehill on Tuesday morning before being added to the nominations.
Her stablemate, triple Group One winner Alizee, is the early favourite for the race she won last year.
Kolding has had two recent trials and Waller is keen to get him to the All-Star Mile at Caulfield in March.
If it does not look like he will get a start in the All-Star Mile, Kolding will stay in Sydney for the Chipping Norton and George Ryder Stakes.
Kolding has been introduced to the TAB’s Expressway market at $3.50 with Alizee still holding sway at $2.
The Gerald Ryan-trained three-year-old Standout is a definite Expressway starter after performing well in two recent trials and is the third elect at $4.50.
“The only thing I am concerned about is the heat because it is expected to get to more than 40 degrees on Saturday so I hope the races are still on,” Ryan said.
“That could throw a few preparations into disarray.”
Standout will be ridden by Tommy Berry who rode the colt’s sister Overreach to win the 2013 Golden Slipper.
Ryan will also saddle two-year-old Return With Honour who has shown no ill-effects from his last-start failure on a wet track.
A Randwick winner on debut, Return With Honour runs in the Canonbury Stakes with plans to be decided after that race.
“Depending what he does, the Blue Diamond is still in the mix or he could stay in Sydney,” Ryan said.
“It all hinges on Saturday.”
