Sayed in hunt for Metropolitan berth

Former French gelding Sayed has a chance to measure up for The Metropolitan with an imposing audition at Randwick.

Chris Waller took over training the five-year-old in June last year and after an uninspiring initial preparation in Sydney, Sayed has thrived since being gelded.

Four wins and two seconds so far this campaign indicate he is on the right treack and on Saturday the stayer returns from a freshen-up to tackle the Benchmark 89 (2400m) as the $1.55 favourite with the TAB.

“His whole prep has been super,” Waller said.

“The horse is heading in the right direction to be taking on bigger races. You’ve got to respect 61 kilos over 2400. It’s not easy but he’s a superior stayer.

Sayed has top weight but has Hugh Bowman on board from barrier one as he bids to push his claims for a start in the Group One Metropolitan at Randwick on September 30.

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“This preparation he’s gone from strength to strength and if he’s going to be a Metropolitan contender, then regardless of the weight he should be very hard to beat,” Waller said.

Waller also has Vassal and Four Carat, who also started their racing lives in France, lining up in the race.

He said he hoped Vassal ($8.50) would benefit from blinkers aftr giving away big starts.

“He needs to find a bit more aggression,” Waller said.

“If we can get him racing four of five lengths from the leader he gives himself a chance.”

Waller gives himself a chance at the trifecta with Four Carat ($18).

“He’s rock-hard fit now,” he said. “No excuses, it’s a small field. All three should be running in the first three.”