Trainer John Moore plans to add stayer Dominant to his armoury for Sydney's rich autumn racing carnival in April with the A$1.6 million (HK$10.72 million) Sydney Cup, 3,200m at Royal Randwick, his most likely target.
Moore on Monday reported that his international aspirants had come through Sunday's prelude meeting in one piece despite the very firm track, although the fast ground meant Dominant, last year's Longines Hong Kong Vase winner, finished only 11th.
"They all seem to have come out of Sunday OK, but I'm really hoping we get a kinder surface on international day with more grass cover so Dominant can perform," said Moore, adding that he would now look farther afield to give Dominant opportunities in the new year.
"It all hinges on Canterbury racecourse being used as the quarantine in Sydney - I'm not interested if they are using Werribee in Melbourne - but as long as that part of it is right, I will have Sterling City going to Sydney for the TJ Smith Stakes and Dominant's ownership syndicate has agreed to sending him there as well, probably for the Sydney Cup.
"He wants 2,400m and farther so there aren't many races here for him and he'd be a good chance to get softer, more suitable going in Sydney at that time of year as well."
The Sydney Cup, under handicap conditions, is worth A$1 million to the winner and Moore said he may also consider the A$1.5 million BMW over 2,400m at weight for age terms for Dominant, two weeks before the Sydney Cup.
Moore is looking at the logistics of a multi-race Australian campaign for Sterling City, which could include the Group One Doomben 10,000 and Stradbroke Handicap in Brisbane during May and June.
Trainers Tony Cruz and Caspar Fownes have also reported no issues with their international runners coming out of Sunday's meeting.
"Lucky Nine didn't have a hard race after getting held up and is fine but Military Attack is the one - he's really bouncing today," said Fownes.
The only big name reported with a post-race problem on Monday was Singapore star, Spalato, Jockey Club vets saying that he was lame in his right hind leg.
