The chance to qualify for a A$2 million race will almost certainly sway connections of Cotehele (NZ) (Tavistock) to bypass a start in the Listed Winter Stakes in favour of the South Grafton Cup.
While the latter carries half the prize money of Saturday’s A$160,000 Randwick centrepiece, Cotehele could make up for it down the track with the winner and second placegetter at Grafton eligible for the Big Dance on Melbourne Cup day.
“I will consult the owners but most of them are keen to try to qualify him for the Big Dance,” trainer John O’Shea said.
“He’s drawn one at Grafton, so I’d say we’re leaning towards going there.
“If he can win on Sunday there’s an opportunity to run for $2 million so we’d have to look at that.”
With early fancy Brigantine scratched, Cotehele had firmed into $4.60 favouritism for the Winter Stakes (1400m), while he was a $3.40 second pick behind Space Tracker at Grafton.
Cotehele was beaten less than three lengths at his only other attempt over a mile in the 2021 Bondi Stakes, but O’Shea felt his last win at Rosehill augured well for another try at the journey.
“We’ve not run him at a mile (for some time) but the way he won when he won the 1500 at Rosehill two starts ago is indicative that it’s not out of the question,” he said.
“We’re very happy with him.”
While Cotehele is likely to be absent from Randwick, stablemate Wewillrock (NZ) (El Roca).
Former New Zealander Wewillrock will be having just his second start for O’Shea in the Bowermans Handicap (1200m) after placing behind Spacewalk and Dragonstone in the Listed June Stakes (1100m).
Wile he drops in grade, he rises six kilos in weight, although O’Shea hasn’t been able to fault him.
“He’s a really nice horse,” he said.
“One thing about him, he’s really enjoyed Randwick. He’s a big, tough fellow, some horses struggle with the transition but he hasn’t, he’s really enjoyed it.”
