Chris Waller's search for Metropolitan-class runners has identified Up 'N' Rolling as a potential lightweight contender for the Group One feature later this next month.
The five-year-old gelding made his case at Randwick when scoring on his city Saturday debut as the $1.40 favourite for the National Jockeys Trust Handicap (2000m).
A fortnight after Waller's former France-based gelding Alward surged into $6 TAB favouritism for the Metropolitan Handicap (2400m), Up 'N' Rolling shortened from a $15 chance to $11.
Now four races into his Australian racing career, the New Zealand stayer finished off strongly in the Benchmark 84 to overhaul pacesetter Plymouth Road down the straight to win by three-quarters of a length.
Wahng Wah ($13) was second and Admiral Jello ($10) improved from last at the 400m to claim third, 3-1/4 lengths further back.
Waller was impressed with Up 'N' Rolling's progress since joining the stable in January but was cautious about his Metropolitan prospects.
'We're in spring, you keep dreaming and keep dreams alive," Waller said.
"I think he'll get through to it as a lightweight chance (Metropolitan), whether he's good enough to win on the day is another thing.
"I thought going through the grades would be no problem.
"It's just a bit of strength he needs. Whether he's got enough strength to win a Group One race this prep is a big call."
Jockey Kerrin McEvoy thought Up 'N' Rolling was a capable candidate for the Metropolitan at Randwick on September 30.
"He's doing it quite soft. There's no reason he can't compete in better races over a little bit further than that," McEvoy said.
"I can't see why it's not the next step for him. I'd be surprised if he can't stay 2400m."
