The Country Collect heads to Geelong on Wednesday for one of the biggest days on Victoria’s country racing calendar, with a golden ticket to the Melbourne Cup up for grabs.
The Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) is now a win-and-you’re-in contest, with the winner securing a ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 3.
That added incentive has attracted a strong field of local and international stayers, with Joseph O’Brien looking to book another Melbourne Cup berth, while several locally trained gallopers are also chasing their place in Australia’s greatest race.
Mitch Lewis has assessed the feature and identified his leading chances, with an international visitor on top.
Race 7: Geelong Cup (2400m)
Joseph O’Brien brings (10) Small Fry to this race looking to secure his ticket into this year’s Melbourne Cup. He is obviously coming into this fresh, having travelled across from the UK, but I feel he looks hard to beat in this set-up. His last-start win in the UK rated highly and, despite resuming over a shorter distance, he boasts a strong record at 2400m (6:2-1-2). With drying conditions expected, he should appreciate the track and looks well suited. Trusting the stable has him right to win his way into the big race.
(2) The Euphrates ran into the placings in The Metropolitan last start when well supported in the market. The key for him here is the race map, as he looks likely to lead and should be able to find that position comfortably from a low barrier, while some of his main rivals have drawn more awkwardly. If he can get a soft lead and control the tempo, he may prove tough to run down.
(11) Litzdeel has another crack at winning her way into the Melbourne Cup after two solid performances that haven't quite been enough to secure victory. The key to finding further improvement today could be her race map. She jumps from a lower barrier, which should allow her a softer run and the opportunity to settle closer to the leaders. Getting back onto a Good-rated track should also suit.
(6) Soulcombe has taken his time to build into this preparation, having returned from a lengthy spell following his second placing in the 2023 Melbourne Cup, but he showed signs of improvement last start. If Chris Waller has him back to something approaching his best form with a few runs under his belt, he could surprise. I expect him to be hitting the line strongly if he gets clear running late.
Selections
(10) Small Fry
(2) The Euphrates
(11) Litzdeel
(6) Soulcombe
Suggested Bet: (10) Small Fry Win
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