Campaldino Charges Into Sydney Cup Favouritism with Randwick City Stakes Triumph

Darby Racing 8.3.2026

Darby Racing’s staying star Campaldino (NZ) has announced himself as a genuine Group 1 Sydney Cup contender with a powerful victory in Saturday’s Listed Randwick City Stakes (2000m) at Royal Randwick.

The progressive stayer produced a dominant late surge to claim the $200,000 feature, confirming he has returned in outstanding form this preparation and placing him firmly on a path toward the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick on April 11.

A Statement Victory

Settling comfortably before unleashing his trademark staying finish, Campaldino surged through the field in the straight to score an impressive victory, once again showcasing the toughness and stamina that has made him one of the most exciting staying prospects in Australian racing.

The performance immediately elevated him to favouritism for the Sydney Cup, with his racing style and relentless finishing strength perfectly suited to the famous two-mile staying test during The Championships.

Another Darby Racing NZ Import Success Story

Campaldino continues the outstanding success Darby Racing has enjoyed with New Zealand-sourced stayers.

The gelding was identified and secured in New Zealand by renowned bloodstock agent Phil Cataldo, whose sharp eye for talent has delivered yet another high-class staying prospect to the Darby Racing team.

New Zealand’s reputation for producing elite stayers is well known, and Campaldino looks every inch the next star to emerge from that pathway.

In the Hands of Champions

Campaldino is prepared by the outstanding training partnership of Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott, whose expertise in preparing staying horses for Australia’s biggest races is second to none.

Saturday’s victory highlighted just how well the horse is progressing this preparation, with the team now carefully mapping a path toward the Sydney Cup.

A Dream Shared

Everyone at Darby Racing would like to extend huge congratulations to the fantastic group of owners involved in Campaldino.

To see a horse sourced internationally, nurtured through the system and now emerging as a Group 1 Sydney Cup favourite is exactly what ownership dreams are made of.

Congratulations also to Gai Waterhouse, Adrian Bott and the entire Tulloch Lodge team, whose care and horsemanship continue to bring the best out of this exciting stayer.

The Journey Continues

With his Randwick City Stakes victory now secured, all roads lead toward The Championships and the Group 1 Sydney Cup on April 11.

If Saturday’s performance is any indication, Campaldino is a horse right at the peak of his powers — and the dream of Group 1 glory is very much alive.

The journey continues… and the best may still be ahead.