Gai Waterhouse | Gai Waterhouse News 63340 Playing By The Rules

Campaldino, Saturday 4th April, Royal Randwick, Race 3: When identifying a horse for this piece, I am always looking for the most interesting programming story to provide some insight into the decisions we’re making. This week, I have opted for the ‘least interesting’ story which, in my role, is the dream, though with living, breathing animals it is rarely that straightforward.

This gelding’s autumn program was mapped out during the spring. It is the gold standard, a tried and true path towards the Sydney Cup for a horse of his profile and everything has progressed smoothly to this point. When setting the program, we may have hoped for a little more in the Manion Cup, however he was caught wide and carried top weight, yet never gave in and was not beaten far.

Stayers can often take it in turns to win, but this gelding has won or placed in two thirds of his career starts. He is tough, consistent and very much on the right path, so I have no doubt he will be right there again.