Adelaide Cup mission for Bagot Hcp winner

Next month’s Adelaide Cup is in the sights of trainer Stuart Webb with Bagot Handicap winner Annus Mirabilis who makes his return at Flemington.

The six-year-old gelding won over 2400m at Sandown on December 24 before adding the Listed Bagot (2800m) on January 1 at Flemington to bring the Adelaide Cup into focus.

The imported stayer hasn’t raced for seven weeks but steps out in Saturday’s Ascot Racecourse Trophy benchmark-84 handicap over 2000m in a stepping stone to longer targets.

“He’s first-up on Saturday after a little break and then he will go to the Roy Higgins Quality at Flemington two weeks later and then nine days later is the Adelaide Cup,” Webb said.

“His work has been great. They’ll probably be a bit sharp over 2000 metres but then over 2600 metres in the Roy Higgins it should be right up his alley.”

The $400,000 Group Two Adelaide Cup (3200m) is at Morphettville on March 13.

Regan Bayliss, who is unbeaten on Annus Mirabilis from his two rides, retains the ride on Saturday.

Webb also has new stable acquisition Sir Laszlo in the race.