2017 Sydney Cup
Saturday 8 April, Randwick Racecourse
The Sydney Cup is one of New South Wales classic races. A welcomed boost in prize money has really seen the race go from strength to strength over the past couple of years and this rendition is no exception.
Whoshotthebarman ($8) is probably the most seasoned and well credentialed two miler in Australia. He ran second in this race two years ago and has run some very respectable races in the last couple of Melbourne cups. An ever consistent racehorse over the staying trips, loves the wet and with the services of Blake Shinn who went ever so close in 2015, he should run well.
Tally ($13) carried 59kg in winning the Mornington Cup and beat fellow Godolphin shortie in The Gold Trail that day. This is his first crack at 3200 though he gives every indication hell love the step up in trip. Has always ran in our cream middle distance to staying races and will give his all. Currently under his true odds though.
Big Duke ($2.50) comes into his first assignment at two miles off the back of two very strong Sydney victories. The first one being a win in the steward’s room at Rosehill and the second being a very convincing win in the Chairman’s last week at Randwick. The quick back isn’t an issue and he gives every indication he’ll power through the testing Randwick two miles. He looks very hard to beat but surely his under his true odds at $2.40. This field is far superior to the one he faced last week.
Penglai Pavilion ($8) is the import I am most drawn towards. This horse once finished 5th in an Arc behind the great mare Treve and has a very recent win over 3600 at Newmarket. Its common knowledge that the European stayers are far better than ours and on exposed form he looks one that can win here. He is by the Sire Monsun who has provided some of our best Melbourne Cup winners in Fiorente and Protectionist. Penglai Pavilion has a 100% strike rate on heavy going and is an out and out stayer who will be on pace and hard to catch. With the Appelby/McEvoy combination from the spring engaged here the current price of $9.50 is a gamble worth taking.
Tip - Penglai Pavilion EW ($8/$2.80).
