Sonntag eyes Cups

Connections of Group 1 winner Sonntag have New Zealand’s major staying features in their sights.

Last year’s Queensland Derby winner ran third in Saturday’s Listed Ballarat Cup ( 2200m) and trainer Henry Dwyer is now eyeing a trip across the Tasman in the new year.

The Werribee Cup and Bagot Handicap are short-term options in Victoria, while a staying race in Sydney next month is a consideration.

“Longer term there’s the Wellington Cup and Auckland Cup in New Zealand which are both two mile races,” Dwyer said.

Dwyer had been aiming Sonntag at the New Zealand Cup ( 3200m) earlier this month but those plans were shelved when the gelding had a setback and missed a 2800m race on Melbourne Cup day at Flemington.

“We just had a little issue with him which meant he couldn’t run in that lead-up race on Cup day and he was just going to be behind the eight-ball,” Dwyer said.

“We’ll just be a bit patient and hopefully there’s a consolation prize in New Zealand a bit later.” Sonntag has been nominated for the Group 2 Wellington Cup on January 23 and the Group 1 Auckland Cup on March 12.

An inside barrier has convinced trainer Anthony Cummings to run blue blood mare Rule The River at midweek level.

Rule The River is nominated for a fillies and mares race at Rosehill on Saturday, but she is favourite to make it back-to-back wins in the TAB.com.au Handicap at Warwick Farm today.

“Because she’s drawn close to the rail at Warwick Farm it makes the decision a bit easier to run there,” Cummings said. “We scratched her off a wide draw last week and Wednesday’s race seems to fit in best for her.”

Cummings has engaged apprentice Regan Bayliss to offset her 58kg.