Greatwood Ready To Take Next Step In Gr 3

There hasn't been an import more willing to adjust to the Tulloch Lodge way than Greatwood, appropriately one of the main chances in the Kingston Town Stakes at Rosehill.

In two Sydney starts since arriving from England, Greatwood has shown trainer Gai Waterhouse he has the speed for Australian racing conditions to match his knack for being a fast learner.

But he will have to take his new career in the Antipodes to another level on Saturday when he clashes with La Amistad, a high-profile Hawkes Racing stayer who occupies a lofty place in Caulfield and Melbourne Cup betting.

La Amistad is also favourite for the $400,000 Metropolitan at Randwick on October 4, a Group One race also on the spring program of Greatwood.

Greatwood opened his account for Waterhouse with an all-the-way win in the Premier's Cup two weeks ago and has thrived in a stable that was once home to Kingston Town, a modern-day champion of the turf trained by Waterhouse's father Tommy Smith.

"He's a horse who has adapted quickly to the Australian style of racing and training and he hasn't looked back," Tulloch Lodge spokesman Mark Newnham said.

"It's no surprise he has come through his win in the Premier's Cup in terrific order."

La Amistad is much hyped because of her breeding links to Makybe Diva.

She is a three-quarter sister to the three-time Melbourne Cup winner but needs weight penalties or ballot exemptions to ensure there is a place for her in the spring's major staying races.

La Amistad is almost certain to earn a handicap penalty if she can follow up her promising return to racing when third in the Rowley Mile with a Group Three win at Rosehill.