French import Silverball put his claims in for a start in The Metropolitan with a tradesman like win in the Group 3 $125,000 Thoroughbred Central Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill today.

Silverball will be set for The Metropolitan after winning the Kingston Town Stakes at Rosehill. Photo by Steve Hart.

Winning trainer Chris Waller had no hesitation in picking out the Group 1 $750,000 The Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick on October 3 as the immediate Spring Carnival goal for the grey stayer.

In-form jockey Brenton Avdulla wrapped up an early Rosehill double on Silverball after winning the first on the program on the Bjorn Baker trained Herne’s Oak in the $85,000 Ranvet Handicap (1800m).

Avdulla was happy to sit back off the pace on the $1.95 favourite in a moderately run race but once the tempo started to gain momentum at the 600m, Silverball was able to circle the field and finish off the 2000m better than his rivals.

Silverball hit the lead at the 50m mark and had half a length to spare on the line over Maurus ($6.50) and Foundry ($12).

Silverball began his career in France before being transferred to Hong Kong prior to ending up in the stables of Sydney’s premier trainer and Waller feels that the 2400m of The Metropolitan will suit him at this stage.

“Good to see him fight the whole length of the straight,” Waller said.

“He looks more like a Metropolitan horse. Three weeks before he runs so I have to make sure I can get him a little bit fitter for the run, but at this stage The Metropolitan.

“He was sent to be from Hong Kong from a leading trainer with that in mind.”

The Gai Waterhouse trained Kin Kinshasa ($12) took over the lead at the 1400m and battled on well in the straight to finish fourth position.

Kingston Town Stakes results