Whichever path was chosen, a fortnight between runs was on the cards for Elliptical after finishing second to Golden Mile in Saturday’s Caulfield Guineas.
While an attempt at the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) on October 22 was mooted, trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman announced via Twitter that the son of Dundeel will head instead to the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) for three-year-olds at Randwick on the same day.
“After a fantastic performance in the Caulfield Guineas, it’s been decided Elliptical won’t run in the Cox Plate instead he will head towards the G1 Spring Champion,” the Freedman pair said.
“He has come through the run in terrific order & we look forward to getting him to 2000m.”
Elliptical finished just a head margin away from Golden Mile in the $3 million feature with the Chris Waller-trained Osipenko in third.
It was also confirmed that Blake Shinn will stay aboard Elliptical after notching a winning treble on Caulfield Guineas Day.
The Guineas trifecta heads the Spring Champion Stakes market with TAB with Golden Mile the $3.50 favourite.
Osipenko occupies the second line of betting at $4.50 with Elliptical at $6 alongside last start Ruakaka winner Sharp ‘N’ Smart.