A near record-breaking win in the St George Stakes has set Theseo up to give trainer Gai Waterhouse her first Australian Cup win next month.The Danewin five-year-old was dominant in the pace-making role on Saturday and when Nash Rawiller gave him more rein he sprinted away at the top of the straight to win the Group Two feature by 3-3/4 lengths from Baughurst and Zarita."It is all go to the Australian Cup now," said Waterhouse's travelling foreman Steve O'Halloran."His main goal in Melbourne is
A near record-breaking win in the St George Stakes has set Theseo up to give trainer Gai Waterhouse her first Australian Cup win next month.
The Danewin five-year-old was dominant in the pace-making role on Saturday and when Nash Rawiller gave him more rein he sprinted away at the top of the straight to win the Group Two feature by 3-3/4 lengths from Baughurst and Zarita.
"It is all go to the Australian Cup now," said Waterhouse's travelling foreman Steve O'Halloran.
"His main goal in Melbourne is the Australian Cup and he is going to improve again after this run."
On the strength of St George victory, TAB Sportsbet slashed Theseo from $4.50 to $2.40 for the Australian Cup.
Five horses share the second line of betting at $10 including Baughurst and other St George runners Master O'Reilly (fourth) and last year's Australian Cup winner Sirmione (last).
Last start Alister Clark Stakes winner Pre Eminence and Zagreb are also $10 while Zarita is $16.
Deputising for Waterhouse who is on holidays in Switzerland, O'Halloran said the St George went to plan.
"There was no speed in the race and we were going to go forward from word go," O'Halloran said.
"Nash gave him a great ride and controlled the race."
Theseo's winning time of in 1:47.83 was the fastest 1800 metres for St George since Cent Home set a course record winning in 1:47.19 on the way to winning the 2001 Australian Cup.
In the last 20 years eight horses have won the St George-Australian Coup double with the most recent Pompeii Ruler two years ago.
Rawiller said Theseo, who won both the Epsom Handicap and the Mackinnon Stakes in the spring, continued to surprise him.
"I wouldn't want to swap him going in to the Australian Cup, that's for sure," Rawiller said.
"I think the best is still ahead of him."
Trainer Pat Hyland said Zarita was on track for the Australian Cup and that any rain would help her chances.
"She finished the race off very well," Hyland said.
"Her last two furlongs (400m) was the best part of her race."
Trainer Danny O'Brien said the tempo of the St George worked against 2007 Caulfield Cup winner Master O'Reilly but said he was on schedule for the Australian Cup.
"You are always mercy of the pace in these weight-for-age races," O'Brien said.
"Only one in five are run at a genuine clip but he can win against these horses so long as there is pressure.
"He has got to make up four lengths and he will certainly make up a couple in Australian Cup."