Flemington Race 8 – 16:35 AEDT
OPEN Group 1
2000m
$1,500,000.00
Good 4
Rail out 4m entire circuit
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Weight (kg) | Barrier | Current Price |
| 1. Almandin | Liam Howley | Damien Oliver | 59.0 | 2 | $20 |
| 2. Rekindling | Liam Howley | Ben Melham | 59.0 | 9 | $12 |
| 3. Ace High | David Payen | Dwayne Dunn | 59.0 | 8 | $17 |
| 4. Trap For Fools | Jarrod Mclean | John Allen | 59.0 | 6 | $15 |
| 5. Ventura Storm | D & B Hayes & T Dabernig | Luke Nolen | 59.0 | 5 | $34 |
| 6. Harlem | D & B Hayes & T Dabernig | Jamie Kah | 59.0 | 4 | $34 |
| 7. Avilius | James Cummings | Hugh Bowman | 59.0 | 1 | $1.80 |
| 8. The Taj Mahal | Liam Howley | Brett Prebble | 59.0 | 3 | $23 |
| 9. Muntahaa | D & B Hayes & T Dabernig | Mark Zahra | 59.0 | 12 | $26 |
| 10. Yogi | C Maher & D Eustace | Luke Currie | 59.0 | 15 | $51 |
| 11. So Si Bon | D & B Hayes & T Dabernig | William Pike | 59.0 | 11 | $34 |
| 12. Night’s Watch | C Maher & D Eustace | Damian Lane | 59.0 | 7 | $13 |
| 13. Sikarandarabad | D & B Hayes & T Dabernig | Jordan Childs | 59.0 | 14 | $23 |
| 14. Sound | Michael Moroney | Jamie Mott | 59.0 | 13 | $81 |
| 15. Shillelagh | Chris Waller | Craig Williams | 57.0 | 10 | $19 |
Odds correct as of 9am Friday 8 March
Race Overview
The Australian Cup is the second of the two Group races at Flemington on Saturday, both which look set to be outstanding contests. The Australian Cup was once Australia’s greatest staying races, taking place over a distance greater than the Melbourne Cup. It has since been reduced to a middle-distance race but remains one of Australia’s premier Group 1 races. The race boasts a rich roll of honour with legends such as Lonhro, Makybe Diva and Northerly all winning the race previously.
Race Speed
Trap For Fools should be able to roll to the front from Barrier 6 and lead them at a good clip the whole way. The Taj Mahal and Ace High should also be prominent early. Muntahaa may elect to push forward from the outside barrier. Avilius will have his hands full from Barrier 1 and Yogi should be the backmarker in the race.
Key Runners
- ALMANDIN ($17.00)
The 2016 Melbourne Cup winner returns from nearly a year on the sidelines and while that certainly raises red flags, there’s no arguing the quality of this gelding. Arguably should have taken out this race last year and was good first up in that spell. Classy runner who should be kept safe here.
- AVILIUS ($2.00)
Has won 4 of his past 6 and there looks to be no stopping this extremely talented galloper. Has taken out his last 2 races after returning from a spell and looks to be in better form than ever. Quickened nicely in both runs and should be peaking here.
- NIGHT’S WATCH ($11.00)
Has finished behind Avilius in both runs this prep and even looked like he may challenge him at some points in both races. Should be tuned up nicely here third up and if something is amiss with Avilius he can definitely feature in the finish. Trending upwards.
Race Selection
- AVILIUS ($2.00)
This superbly talented horse unfortunately draws barrier 1 here which could be trouble but I think he is far too talented for this field regardless. Has come back an absolute treat this prep, winning both of his races with something in hand both times. Should be peaking here and with an even run in transit he will be very tough to beat.
