Black Tycoon shows his Sydney Cup credentials
WA stayer Black Tycoon will tackle the $1 million Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick on April 19.
Trainer Justin Warwick signalled the intention to clash with some of Australia's premier stayers after his eight-year-old gelding produced a gallant performance to finish second in yesterday's $400,000 Adelaide Cup (3200m) at Morphettville.
Forced to carry the 59kg topweight, Black Tycoon was edged out by Outback Joe, the six-year-old son of Elvstroem from former champion mare Let's Elope.
"It was only the 5kg difference in weights which beat him," Warwick said. "I thought we had the cup when he got his nose in front near home.
"His effort to come wide from near last was remarkable.
"Black Tycoon will travel to Melbourne by road and be flown back to Perth before the weekend.
"He'll go straight to our Myalup property for a brief rest before beginning preparation there for the Sydney Cup.
"It's over 3200m and today he's proved my belief he would stay that distance."
Meanwhile, Melbourne jockeys paid tribute to champion rider Roy Higgins at Moonee Valley yesterday.
The riders at the public holiday meeting gathered in the home straight in front of the big screen as images of Higgins, who died on Saturday aged 75, were shown during a minute's silence.
Higgins won 11 Melbourne premierships and more than 2000 races during his career, including 108 Group 1s and two Melbourne Cups.
