Premier Sydney trainer Chris Waller has strengthened his Sydney Cup hand with Libran staking his claims in the Randwick City Stakes.

Libran joins stablemates Preferment and Who Shot Thebarman on $8 for the Sydney Cup (3200m) on April 9 with Our Ivanhowe the other of four equal favourites.

Waller said Saturday’s Listed win over 2000m was an important milestone for the former European.

“It’s good for him going ahead to the Sydney Cup,” Waller said.

“He will probably run in the Chairman’s over 2600 metres next and that will get him ready for the Sydney Cup.”

Brenton Avdulla had Libran ($3.90) better than midfield and the gelding showed plenty of fight to beat the favourite Allergic ($2.70) by a head.

“He relaxed and found the line really well which is a good sign heading to the Sydney Cup,” Avdulla said.

Maurus ($7) finished third, three lengths from the winner for Auvray ($26) and eye-catching fourth at his first start for 18 months.

“It was a very good run after such a long time off,” jockey Tye Angland said.

“He can build to the Sydney Cup.”- AAP TURF