2017 Australian Cup Preview
Saturday 11 March 2017
This year’s Australian Cup is almost a repeat of the Peter Young stakes over an extra 200M. 9 of the 11 runners come through that WFA Caulfield lead up and again the track will be rated in the good range, which is a welcomed alternative to the current tracks in Sydney.
We’ll start with the winner of the Peter Young, Stratum Star. What a consistent race horse this bloke is. He has won connections almost $2.4m in prize money underlining the class racehorse he is. You can’t knock winning form, though with the extra 200 metres and the larger Flemington track may well suit some of some of his rivals better and see the tables on turn on him. He has been up for a while now so there is a question mark over how much improvement there is left in him. He will run well as he always does for Darren Weir but have to suspect that the stable has one better in Humidor ($3.80). The 4yo gelding has cost himself a couple of races now with the costly habit of laying in when the race has been at his mercy. Surprised no gear changes have been made for his grand final but Damien Lane knows him inside out and will have him rattling down the long Flemington straight. Ten furlongs suits as does the bigger track and the barrier is perfect. He is well found in the market but great chance of capturing another G1 for Weir.
Tom Melbourne( $16) looks the likely leader from gate 3 and gets the services of his good mate Glen Boss back. He is such a better horse when ‘Bossy’ is engaged and he should give a great sight. The Freedman galloper has never missed the placings at Flemington and is set to peak third up. Not much has gone right for him at both runs this preparation so I believe he is the best long shot.
The United States ($6.50) is a deadest WFA G1 horse. His run first up at 1800 was outstanding and he’ll improve massively out to the 2000 metres. Absolutely flies second up (4:2-2-0) and Lloyd Williams horses grow a leg at Flemington. He should still have improvement left though as he will eventually head north for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick during The Championships. Desperately unlucky in the G1 Cantala Stakes here at Flemington last preparation and providing he avoids that bad luck on Saturday, he should go very close.
Now onto the mare Jameka ($4). Covered far more ground than all of her rivals last start with Luke Nolan parking her three deep, then being forced to push forward mid race. To be only beaten less than a length was an admirable effort from the Maher stable star. Jumps from the outside gate but she is a very adaptable mare and with one of the best jockeys in the world in J.H Bowman in the saddle, I’m comfortable she’ll find some cover. Third up at 2000 metres, the Caulfield Cup winner will take a power of beating and there has been plenty of market support during the week ($4.60 - $4). Hopefully another Group one for Jameka and maybe a Nick Hall like celebration from the normally reserved Bowman.
Tip – Jameka ($4).
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Words: Jack 'The Coach' McLoughlin
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