With more than seven months remaining before the Melbourne Cup, Sydney-based trainer Matthew Smith is already setting his sights on Australia’s most prestigious race.

Smith is preparing his UK-bred stayer, Waltham, for the Listed Roy Higgins (2600m) at Flemington this Saturday, aiming to secure an early entry into the Melbourne Cup.

The winner of the Roy Higgins earns a ballot exemption for the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m), held at Flemington in November.

Throughout his training career spanning over two decades, Smith has had just one Melbourne Cup runner, with True Marvel finishing eighth in the 2023 edition behind Without A Fight.

Specializing in training stayers, Smith has been pleased with Waltham’s development as the gelding prepares for his tenth career start.

Waltham began his racing career in Ireland, winning his first two starts at Leopardstown over 2615m before heading to Australia. His most recent outing saw him claim victory over 2400m at the Gold Coast.

One of his standout Australian performances came in the Group 3 ATC St Leger (2600m) at Randwick last October, where he secured a placing.

“It looks a good race for him, and it gives you the bonus of getting into the Melbourne Cup if you can win,” Smith said.

“He’s a good horse I think, and he’ll be winning a good race at some stage.

“We sent him up to the Gold Coast last time to get a win on the board and get his rating up a bit as there wasn’t a lot for him here in Sydney.

“That helped him, and hopefully it’s given him a bit of confidence going forward.

“He’s worked well since and we couldn’t be happier with him.”

Jockey Ben Melham has been booked to ride Waltham on Saturday. Smith also indicated that a run in the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick on April 12 remains an option, depending on the horse’s performance this weekend.