Underrated galloper Palmetto is primed so as to add to his big-money race repute as he prepares to chase connections one other substantial payday in Saturday’s $2 million 5 Diamonds (1800m) at Rosehill Gardens.
The John Sargent-trained gelding is within the hunt to snare his third profitable characteristic victory in simply six months in a profession finest yr for the five-year-old.
Victory on Saturday would amazingly see Palmetto’s earnings soar previous the $2 million mark after victories within the $500,000 The Coast again in Could and $1 million 5 Diamonds Prelude final begin.
Palmetto went round as a $21 outsider within the 5 Diamonds lead-up however highlighted his high quality with a decided success.
He has continued to thrive for the reason that Prelude victory and has drawn ideally in barrier three for his newest take a look at big-money tilt.
“I’m very proud of him, all the pieces’s excellent,” Sargent mentioned.
“He has a great draw and may get a suck run like final time.
“As a result of he’s an on tempo runner, he can fall asleep and he has acquired a brief sharp dash so it should give Kathy (O’Hara) time to get him out.
“Hopefully as much as the 1800m ought to go well with him so I’m proud of him.
“Clearly it’s a stronger area and he has extra weight however he’s going to get a pleasant passage to get the gap.”
Palmetto has by no means gained over greater than a mile in Australia with three unplaced runs over 2000m to his identify.
The final of these got here within the Group 1 Doomben Cup final Could the place he completed tenth however is greater than prepared to forgive that show and is assured he’ll run out the journey with no downside.
“He was on the best way down then however this time he’s on the best way up,” Sargent mentioned.
“He’s bred to recover from a little bit of floor a minimum of 2000m or extra so I’m not apprehensive in regards to the journey on Saturday.”
O’Hara will proceed her partnership with Palmetto, who’s rated a $15 probability for the 5 Diamonds alongside Group 1 placegetter Hope In Your Coronary heart.
The second version of the five-year-old occasion has attracted a capability area of 14 runners with Queensland weapon Antino the $2.80 TAB favorite.
The Tony Gollan-trained galloper was a slim runner-up to Attrition within the Group 1 Toorak Handicap two begins in the past earlier than she was crushed in a decent end once more by Kiwi weapon Prowess within the Group 2 Crystal Mile.
Sargent believes Antino is a worthy favorite however concedes he’s not the one hazard within the characteristic area.
“Antino appears just like the horse to beat however he has had a protracted preparation as nicely, he’s been right down to Melbourne and again,” Sargent mentioned.
“It’s who turns up on the day and clearly there are just a few others that shall be laborious to beat.
“However you might be racing for $2 million so you possibly can’t simply be giving it away.”
Sargent is prone to put one other profitable race on Palmetto’s radar if all goes to plan on Saturday with a date with the $1 million The Gong at Kembla Grange on the desk a fortnight later.
The Randwick conditioner may also saddle up Informal Connection within the Petaluma Benchmark 78 Handicap (2400m) this weekend.
Informal Connection had been racing persistently earlier than struggling to take care of his finest when solely beating one runner dwelling over a mile and a half at Randwick Kensington on October 25.
“The gate was the issue there. I gave him the week out and he has come again good and contemporary,” Sargent mentioned.
“He had eight days down within the paddock and has come again, had a few gallops and is match and nicely.
“I feel you will note a turnaround.
“He’ll get a smooth run and Lee (Magorrian) is aware of him nicely.
“I feel he’ll go rather well.”
Informal Connection is a $18 probability within the second occasion on the cardboard the place he jumps from barrier three.
Sargent has already loved a profitable week in Sydney following the success of Ningaloo Star on Huge Dance day at Royal Randwick.
“She has been a bit unfortunate that horse in order that confirmed she has acquired the products,” Sargent mentioned.
Initially revealed as Coach John Sargent has Palmetto primed in his bid for a 3rd huge cash race success at Rosehill
