Racing: Sydney first on way to Cup

Chocante (left) will open his campaign in the Chelmsford Stakes over a mile at Randwick. Photo / Trish Dunell

Chocante will race exclusively on Australian soil in his bid for Melbourne Cup glory.

Trainer Stephen Marsh has confirmed that the son of Shocking will be sent across the Tasman for the opening three runs of his preparation.

"He could have a trial here, but Sydney will tell us where he is at and the tracks there are more likely to offer the sting out of them," he said.

"We would be worried about giving him too many starts on firm ground."

Chocante, who won the group three Counties Cup in the spring, was given a break in the wake of his group two Brisbane Cup victory at Doomben in June.

"He's back in the stable now and we've thought all along that the ultimate goal would be the Melbourne Cup," Marsh said.

Chocante will open his campaign in the weight-for-age group two Chelmsford Stakes over a mile at Randwick on September 2. "We'll decide on riding engagements closer to the time but I would say that we will be looking for a Sydney-based jockey," Marsh said.

Chocante will then step up to 2000m a fortnight later in the Kingston Town Stakes, a group three contest at set weights and penalties, at Rosehill. The rising five-year-old will end his Sydney stay with a crack at the group one Metropolitan under handicap conditions over 2400m back at Randwick on September 30.

As long as Marsh is satisfied with Chocante's progress, they will then shift camp to Melbourne.

- NZ Racing Desk