Distance test for Amovatio in Summer Cup

He might not be at the top of the tree at the Chris Waller stable but Amovatio more than holds his own in the pecking order.

Since he began his career in May 2013, Amovatio has amassed almost $900,000 prize money with nine wins and 16 minor placings from his 43 starts, an impressive return on his $55,000 yearling price.

His 44th start will be a step into the unknown as he goes up in distance to 2000 metres for the first time in Monday’s Listed Summer Cup at Randwick.

He goes to the Boxing Day feature off a sixth in the Villiers Stakes (1600m) on a soft track, not his preferred surface.

“We are trying him over 2000 metres for the first time,” Waller said.

“He’ll appreciate a better track. He didn’t really like the wet track the other day.”

Among Amovatio’s wins is this year’s Group Three Hawkesbury Gold Cup.

A decision on whether stablemate Beyond Thankful runs will be made on race morning.

He finished midfield in the Christmas Cup (2400m) on December 17 won by Destiny’s Kiss who appreciated the heavy track to record his first win in almost a year.

The Joe Pride-trained eight-year-old is also scheduled to run in the Summer Cup.

Amovatio will be ridden by Brenton Avdulla who has a strong book of rides in his quest to consolidate his lead in the Sydney premiership in the absence of several other senior riders.

Waller has opted to delay two-year-old From Within’s until Saturday to give her the chance to make the field for the $2 million Magic Millions Classic at the Gold Coast.

The filly has won both her barrier trials but with Monday’s public holiday prize money less than Saturday’s, the first place cheque of $27,750 would not be enough to make the Magic Millions.

If she wins the 2YO Plate at Canterbury she will earn $54,000 and enhance her prospects of a start at the Gold Coast.