Canberra gelding Man Of Peace cemented his claims for a Kosciuszko slot when upstaging a former Australian Derby hero to post another win at Randwick on Saturday (August 15).
The eight-year-old, a son of former Kooringal Stud stallion Zariz, combined again with in-form apprentice Louise Day to secure a third consecutive Sydney Saturday success in the past six weeks.
Astute trainer Matt Dale urged future slot holders for the $1.3 million The Kosciuszko to select his veteran for the country feature on The Everest day after winning a fortnight earlier.
Day added slot holders “would be foolish” not to have Man Of Peace on their short list after his latest victory in the Spring Preview Handicap (1400m) when he staved off the Derby winner Angel Of Truth.
Angel Of Truth was having his first run for John, Wayne and Michael Hawkes after transferring to the Sydney stable from Kembla Grange trainer Gwenda Markwell following a failed autumn campaign.
The son of Animal Kingdom charged home from a long way back but was unable to run down Man Of Peace, who started a $4.60 favourite.
“This horse is eight years old and he is in a very rich vein of form,” Day was quoted on Racenet.
“Whatever (Dale) is doing, it is keeping him in his best form.
“He is very well into his preparation now and just going down to the gates, I was just working out just how well he was feeling.
“It took a while to get to the front but as soon as he hit the front he had his ears pricked and he just does his thing and paces himself.
“The only query was getting out in the straight he is a bit of a thinker. He definitely was having a look at the crowd … but he heard (Angel Of Truth) coming late.”
Man Of Peace has firmed from $11 into $8 for The Kosciuszko with TAB.com.au.