As the standard bearer for Sam Kavanagh’s Rosehill stable, Midsummer Sun will be out to claim a second Cup for the year when he runs at Randwick.
The winner of the Listed Gosford Cup (2100m) last Friday week, Midsummer Sun will step up to 2400 metres in Saturday’s Australia Day Cup, also at Listed level.
Kavanagh has dropped plans to target a Caulfield Cup exemption in next month’s Mornington Cup and will keep the English import in Sydney for the autumn with one possible trip south.
“I’ve nominated him for the Australian Cup. It’s a bit of a pipe dream but looking at the nominations, there is a lack of Group One horses,” Kavanagh said.
“I think a lot of trainers might be concentrating on the Sydney races and the big prize money.
“I’d like to keep Midsummer Sun in Sydney. After Saturday, we’ll run him in the Parramatta Cup in another month and then look at what we do.”
Kavanagh is in his first season of training in Sydney after making the move from Adelaide last year and has 18 horses in work at Rosehill.
The Gosford Cup is the longest race Midsummer Sun has won in Australia but he has two victories in England at around 2400m.
“He ran a good race when fourth in the Zipping Classic which was on a leaderish track that day,” Kavanagh said.
“His other run at the distance here was in the Brisbane Cup and he came out of that with a slight respiratory issue.
“But I think I’ve worked out the best way to train him now.
“It seems to work giving him two or three races then a four week break so we’ll stick to that pattern.
“He is the healthiest I’ve had him since he’s been here and ready for the 2400 (metres).”
