Up-and-coming galloper Prince Cheri has figured in one of biggest pre-post betting moves of the Sydney spring carnival.

On the back of the news the former French stayer would be staying in Sydney for the time being, Prince Cheri firmed into favouritism for the Group One Metropolitan.

As much as $16 was available early Tuesday about Prince Cheri's chances in $400,000 Metropolitan at Randwick on October 5.

But the David Vandyke-trained stayer is now less than half that quote.

Vandyke's announcement that Prince Cheri would try to win his way into the Caulfield Cup by contesting the Metropolitan triggered the collapse in his odds.

"It's definitely a reaction to connections stating the horse is staying in Sydney," TAB's Glenn Munsie said.

"It looks to be a good move on their part as the Metropolitan field tends to fall away."

In a hastily revised TAB market, Prince Cheri shares the first line of Metropolitan betting with the Chris Waller-trained Brisbane Cup winner Moriarty at $6.50.

A narrow winner of the Kingston Town Stakes on Saturday, Prince Cheri was expected to have his next start in Melbourne in a bid to secure a Caulfield Cup start.

Prince Cheri has been given 52kg in the Metropolitan and is not expected to run again before the race.

The five-year-old was having only his sixth start in the Kingston Town with two French appearances netting a win in three-year-old company.

He was spelled after he made a winning Australian debut in March and has won two of his three starts since resuming.