Sydney Cup take two for Annus Mirabilis

A track gallop at Caulfield has convinced trainer Stuart Webb to run Annus Mirabilis in the rescheduled Sydney Cup at Randwick.

Annus Mirabilis contested the abandoned race at Randwick on April 8 and the gelding has pleased his trainer since returning to his Caulfield base.

But he will need a new jockey on Saturday with Katelyn Mallyon already committed to three rides at Caulfield.

Webb said on Tuesday he did not yet have a rider for Annus Mirabilis who he said had bounced back well from his trip to Sydney.

“His work has been good,” Webb said.

“He’s come back good enough that he will be going to Sydney.”

Annus Mirabilis won the 3200m Adelaide Cup at Morphettville on March 13, defeating Double Bluff, before running last in the Mornington Cup 12 days later.

Webb said there were a number of factors that contributed to his poor showing that day.

“The race was run on a rock-hard track which didn’t suit and he was also coming back in trip,” Webb said.

“Plus the race was run not how we’d like it.

“Nothing went right with him that day.”

A former Lloyd and Nick Williams-owned stayer, Annus Mirabilis was bought by his new connections with a jumping career in mind.

Jumping was put on hold after Annus Mirabilis won a 2400m race at Sandown in December before winning the 2800m Bagot Handicap at Flemington in January and then the Adelaide Cup.