GAI Waterhouse has her sights set on tomorrow week’s $170,000 Albury Gold Cup.
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The Waterhouse stable yesterday confirmed up and coming stayer Projectile would be among the nominations when entries for the Riverina’s richest race close tomorrow.
In a further bonus, stablemate Ryker could also target another cup-day feature, the $50,000 Albury Guineas, (1400 metres).
“We will most probably be sending down Projectile to run in the cup,” racing manager Adrian Bott said.
“Ryker is also likely to target the Guineas.”
Waterhouse joins Team Williams, David Hayes, Peter Snowden, Guy Walter, Mike
Moroney and Peter Gelagotis as trainers likely to have starters in Southern District racing’s most prestigious race.
Projectile is a lightly raced four-year-old gelding and has won four of 12 career starts.
The son of Encosta de Lago resumed from a spell in February where he finished midfield.
Last year’s cup winner, Niblick, is also sired by Encosta de Lago.
Projectile has won his past two starts at Canterbury with Tim Clark aboard.
Clark is most likely to make the trek to Alb-ury to once again partner the gelding.
Waterhouse has had two previous cracks at winning the $170,000 cup.
Statesmanship finished well down the track in her first attempt in 2003 behind the Richard Freyer-trained Taskwin as the $5 favourite.
Grand Commander finished fourth in 2009 behind Cape D’Amore also as a $5 chance.
Last year’s Melbourne Cup winning trainer last had a runner at the Albury carnival two years ago when Fat Al took out the Albury Guineas which was then worth $40,000.
She also claimed the $50,000 Inglis bonus attached for winning the race.
Fat Al went on to later that year hand Waterhouse a record-equalling seventh victory in the Epsom Handicap.
Ryker finished third as his most recent start at Canterbury on March 12 with Tommy Berry aboard.