The connections of Five To Midnight had an added incentive for aiming the stayer at Saturday’s A$2 million Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick.
He will claim a A$100,000 bonus for the owners and A$50,000 to trainer Lisa Latta if he wins or runs a place.
Five To Midnight qualified for the bonus by finishing runner-up in last month’s Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m).
The New Zealand-bred and owned Fanatic was also eligible, following her success in the Gr.2 Adelaide Cup (3200m), but an injury on Tuesday has forced her withdrawal.