John Sargent is keen to see more long-distance races programmed in Sydney and preferably over two miles after taking out a shortened version of the Stayer’s Cup with Outlandos.
The winter staple was held over 3200m at Rosehill until two years ago when it was shifted to Randwick and reduced to 2600m, leaving the v as the only two-mile race run at headquarters.
However, with the growing influx of imported stayers from Europe, Sargent believes there is a market for more stamina tests in Sydney.
“They’ve got a lot in Melbourne and our horses have to go down there to run in them,” Sargent said.
“It’s a shame. I had to take Gin Martini down there to win the Sandown Cup.
“It would be good to see more here because a lot of owners have got horses that kick over ground.
“They’re great spectacles the big, long races, you see them go past twice and people enjoy them.”
Sargent had to freshen Outlandos for the drop back to 2600m on Saturday after the horse finished midfield in the Brisbane Cup (3200m) last start.
While he pondered keeping him in Queensland for the Group 3 Tattersall’s Cup (2400m), also on Saturday afternoon, he said the six-year-old’s affinity for Randwick where he has now won three races convinced him to head home.
“The down and back trip seems to work,” Sargent said.
“I put full cup blinkers on him today so he concentrated more, he was a bit lazy in Brisbane and he was caught wide there.
“He loves this track and that was a very similar ride to Hugh Bowman when he won on him here (in February 2022).”
Sargent will now weigh up whether to again hit the road with Outlandos and head to next month’s Grafton Cup (2350m).
“He’s an old horse, he thrives in the stable. He will either go for a break or he might go to the Grafton Cup,” he said.
“It could be a nice race because he’ll be well weighted there.”
Ridden by Keagan Latham, Outlandos ($9) scored by 1-3/4 lengths over Wahine Toa ($3.20) with another nose to Shameless Miss ($8.50).