Gr 1 Australian Cup Preview

many people, including me, thought jockey Craig Williams got it all wrong with his ride on this bloke last start in the big All-Star Mile when he thundered home from the back for 2nd to Pride Of Jenni. that was the 4th time the pair had quinelled a Gr 1 level race and the 3rd time she has beaten him home. he just got too far back last start. so what does he do here? Obviously, he needs to be further forward to have any hope of running her down. And he is capable of racing that way and producing. Big chance to get square.

Yet to win this time up but did win this race last year in good time coming from near last on the bend. And that was after he had run 2nd the start prior in the All-Star Mile. This year, he was 3rd in the All-Star Mile. Loves this trip and looks back to his best. Big danger especially if it is wet.

Won the Gr 1 Melbourne Cup here a few years ago and has been placed in this race 4 years back. Looked very good when flashing home late and 2nd in the gr 2 Peter Young first up over 1800m beating home Gold trip that day. Loves this track and no surprise to see him run a very bold race off what will be a super tempo.

since coming from WA where he won an 1800m Gr 1 race, he’s raced twice in Gr 1 races and finished behind Mr Brightside both times, latest when 6th in the All-Star mile. Never won this trip and place hopes appear best although he is fitter now.

Is always a threat in any race he contests. Was 3rd here in the Gr 1 Mackinnon this trip last prep. Two runs this time up have been in easier races latest when easy winner of the Aust Cup Prelude over 1800m. Will be up probably in 2nd spot chasing Pride Of jenni and will be boxing away at the end.

handy handicap stayer who was 3rd in the Aust Cup Prelude but was beaten 2 lengths by Young Werther. Not up to this level.

Is super fast and is Mr Nightside’s hoodoo horse having beaten him two of her last three runs against him. He beat her by a nostril when she was resuming. is super fit now. Led and easily held him at bay last start in the $3.7million All-Star Mile. Not won at this trip but looks to lead on her own and may get away with cheap sectionals.

Looked good last prep running them down in glorious fashion to claim the Gr 1 Mackinnon stakes here this trip. Two runs since spell, showed courage when finishing hard here to win the 1600m Gr 2 Blamey Stakes from Holymanz. This is harder but will love the pace being on and loves this track.

outstanding bonafide Gr 1 performer from New Zealand. Beat the very smart Campionessa in feb over this trip at Gr 1 level in the Herbie Dike at Te rapa. Since was narrowly rolled when 2nd in the Gr 1 Bonecrusher at this journey. Sure to appreciate this track where she is undefeated in her only race here. Runs home hard.