Hartnell Goes For Another Group One In Sydney Cup

Time/Date - 15.55hrs local time/Saturday, April 11, 2015 Racecourse/Country - Royal Randwick/Australia Surface/Distance - Turf/2m

Hartnell takes another step up in distance as he aims for a second Group One success in the two-mile Schweppes 150th Sydney Cup at Royal Randwick, Australia, on Saturday, April 11.

The John O'Shea-trained four-year-old ran on well for a length and a quarter victory from To The World in the Group One The BMW over a mile and a half at Rosehill Gardens on March 28.

He was the easy winner of the Group Three McGrath Estate Agents Sky High Stakes over a mile and a quarter at the same course on March 14, and finished well when second to stable companion Contributer on his Australian debut in the mile Group One Liverpool City Council Chipping Norton Stakes at Warwick Farm on February 28.

Hartnell raced in the UK last year, coming home seventh in the Group One Ladbrokes St Leger over an extended 14 furlongs at Doncaster on September 13, and finishing sixth in the 12-furlong Group Two Neptune Investment Management Great Voltigeur Stakes at York on August 20.

The son of Authorized made all to win the Group Three Bahrain Trophy over 13 furlongs at Newmarket on July 10, and posted a neck success in the Listed Queen's Vase over two miles at Royal Ascot.

John O'Shea said: "Hartnell looks extremely well placed for the Sydney Cup. Normally he would be carrying 58kgs off his rating but he comes into 52kgs so, by definition, he should be extremely hard to beat.

"His preparation has been excellent - he has been faultless and without any issues. He presents into this race fit and well and ready to run a good race."

Hartnell, with Tommy Berry up, meets 10 rivals including Protectionist and Who Shot Thebarman, who were first and third in the Group One Emirates Melbourne Cup, Hong Kong Group One winner Dominant and Group Two Herbert Power Stakes victor Big Memory.