Racing: Lyncean Academy top of the class

SYDNEY - Lyncean Academy showed he was on target for an overdue group win with a barnstorming victory at Rosehill on Saturday which set him on the path to the Villiers Stakes.

Trainer Guy Walter is an unabashed fan of the 6-year-old gelding who has placings in the JRA Plate and McKell Cup to his record.

He also won the Rowley Mile at Hawkesbury last autumn and the group two Villiers Stakes on December 19 over the same distance was uppermost on the trainer's mind after Saturday's win.

"He is a very under-rated horse and has had his share of bad luck in some of his races," Walter said.

"The plan now is the Villiers followed by the Tatts Cup over 2000m on New Year's Day. He is a lovely, strong horse who deserves a good win.

"The other option was the Summer Cup but that's 2400m and I think we will keep him to the shorter races."

Lyncean Academy started at $8 in the Green Lips Media Handicap (1400m) and sustained a long run from back in the field to beat Theophorus ($4.20) by a half-head with $3.80 favourite Vintedge three-quarters of a length away third.

- AAP