This Saturday is the culmination of what’s been an epic Australian Cup Carnival. We’re treated to three Group 1s on the card, with one over each distance.
The Australian Cup takes centre stage and the field is fitting for the occasion. The young gun Dramatical gets his chance to make history, while Temlee winner Mepunga Reward is again against the market, but we’ve seen that script before.
Summary of best bets:
Race 4 No.6 Nova Owen (Value)
Race 8 No.2 Miss Envy
Race 11 No.1 Weblec Memphis
Race 4
Not a race or greyhound that I look at with high expectations but it feels like it is a big opportunity for this fella Nova Owen (6) to perform well at decent odds. His last start win at Sandown Park was good, he’s ‘sneaky strong’ and steps up to 600m for the first time – he seems ready for it. He generally begins ok and can settle in a positive position.
The play: Nova Owen (6) each-way
Race 6, FANTA BALE STAYERS
The first of the three Group 1s, and it’s pretty open. The favourite Fade To Black (2) performed below expectations last week, given that, for me it’s difficult to install full confidence in him here. Texas President (1) should lead but fade late. I’m happy being with Vodka And Ice (3), he can follow that initial speed and can finish better than most of them. Magpie Hector (8) is the x-factor but may find it difficult to get into the race at the business end.
The play: Vodka And Ice (3)
Race 8, ROOKIE REBEL
This hand-picked field caused controversy mid-week with the predicted hot takes on who should and shouldn’t be in the field. But there was no argument about Miss Envy (2), she would’ve been first picked and the consensus of just about everyone is that she should be winning the race. She’s a proven performer in high quality races. She should step well and is clearly the most likely winner.
The play: Miss Envy (2)
Race 10, AUSTRALIAN CUP
A field fitting for the status of one of Australia’s most prestigious races. The market elects have the best draw in Dramatical (1) and Cleo’s Star (2), the former will be slow early and latter will be fast early. Their passage is clear, it’s not so clear cut for the rest of them. Given the track position of these two, they hold the cards. I think Cleo’s Star (2) will lead for a long way, be challenged turning for home but hold on narrowly.
The play: Cleo’s Star (2)
Race 11
Weblec Memphis (1) was beaten by Echoes Of Dad convincingly last week, but a replica of his performance should be good enough to win this one. He does move to the mid-part of the track, but with the smaller field and no pressure from Glowing Ethics (2) and should get every chance to.
The play: Weblec Memphis (1)
