Cup Prelude romp for adaptable Arbeitsam

Arbeitsam will be kept in suspense yet again after showcasing his flexibility with a commanding victory in the Premier’s Cup Prelude at Rosehill.

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained gelding can expect to be dual-nominated before his next run, with either the Listed Premier’s Cup (1900m) or Listed Hawkesbury Rowley Mile next on the four-year-old’s agenda.

Arbeitsam has switched between 1800m and 1400m assignments since early July and he won over the longer distance for the first time on Saturday by a crushing 4-3/4 lengths over Classic Uniform ($12).

“We’ll nominate for both options and see where he’s best placed,” Bott said after as the $1.95 favourite recorded his third win in four starts.

“He’s a very versatile horse. He put himself on the speed and still produce a turn of foot at the end of that.”

Bott, who opted for the Prelude over a 1500m benchmark, was not surprised by Arbeitsam proving too strong under Tommy Berry.

“He was able to get into a beautiful rhythm throughout. There was a little bit of pressure midway but that came off pretty quickly,” Bott said.