Our Century has turned the tables on Exoteric and confirmed a Sydney Cup plan with his victory in the Listed Christmas Cup at Randwick aided by a genuine race tempo.
Second to Exoteric in the ATC Cup two weeks ago, Our Century showed his appreciation for the step up from 2000 to 2400 metres on Saturday and trainer KIm Waugh believes the 3200m of the Sydney Cup will be ideal.
The former Lloyd Williams-owned stayer was sent out at $3.70 with Exoteric the $2.90 favourite.
Heartlet ($10) led the field to the turn with Our Century tracking him on the outside of Exoteric.
When Jason Collett asked Our Century for an effort, he stretched out with Exoteric chasing but coming up 1-3/4 lengths short.
The 2016 winner Destiny's Kiss ran on for third, another 1-1/2 lengths away.
“I may give him one more run then he can have a short break and get ready for the Sydney Cup,” Waugh said.
“Last time they ran such fast sectionals, two seconds faster than normal, that he just didn't have a chance.
‘I took him home and gave him four days in the paddock on the farm and he loved that.
“He has been working well and coming off the track like a two-year-old.”
Waugh won the 2005 Sydney Cup with Mahtoum for whom her Wyong stable is named.
Our Century races in the Australian Bloodstock colours which were to the fore earlier in the day when the Kris Lees-trained Star Reflection caused an upset in a 1200m-race for fillies and mares.
The $71 chance stormed home to beat the $2.35 favourite Seasons by a long neck.
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