Epsom test looms as Waller searches for Althoff’s best trip

In-form gelding Althoff is on the fourth line of early markets for the Group 1 Epsom Handicap, although connections still need to be convinced he is a genuine miler.

A winner up to 1400m, the Yulong family-owned five-year-old finished fifth in the 2024 Callander-Presnell at his only start over further, but will again test the distance waters at Rosehill on Saturday in the Wests Group Macarthur Handicap (1500m).

While trainer Chris Waller has next year’s Magic Millions Cup (1400m) at the Gold Coast as Althoff’s ultimate goal, he is keeping an open mind on the remainder of the horse’s spring.

Waller has indicated the gelding’s performance this weekend will determine if they pull up stumps with the summer in mind, or give him another chance to prove his wares in a race like the Epsom.

“We had (Yulong’s) Mr Zhang up in Sydney and looking at all the horses (this week), and one of the discussion points was that horse,” Waller said.

“We think he might be a perfect horse for the Magic Millions Cup if we back off him after Saturday.

“A mile could stretch him. But this Saturday is 1500, and if he comes out and wins on Saturday we could think differently.”

Group 3 placed as a juvenile, Althoff didn’t quite measure up to better grade at three but has arguably returned in career-best form this time around.

A fast-finishing second to Carbonados first-up at Rosehill on August 1, he was an arrogant winner of the Spring Preview (1400m) at his last start when he claimed the scalps of Group 1 performers Attica and Fully Lit.

Attica is prominent in Epsom Handicap (1600m) markets as an $11 chance, while Althoff has been backed into $15 for the October 3 showpiece.