TAB AUSTRALIAN CUP RACE DAY, 29 MARCH
Results
Keen to see DEAKIN (15) again. He blew the cobwebs off first up in Australia over a mile at Ballarat before blowing his rivals off the Pakenham turf over this trip last start, scoring by three lengths. His overseas staying form was very good for this and he drops 7kg from last start. ARUGAMAMA (10) comes over from SA in fine form, a winner of her past two. She too drops down to 53kg and is rock hard fit, the slight query is that she's winless from five attempts over 2000m. Mertens needs to make it a strong staying test. OKITA SOUSHI (1) is interesting, first up since running a brave third in the Melbourne Cup. His two runs at 2000m last time in were poor so he might need this, but on class he has to be considered. BANKERS CHOICE (2) was given a positive ride last start and won at big odds. This is a similar race, he could go on with it. SHAIYHAR (13) has the ability on his day and back to 2000m should suit.
Visit TAB.COM.AUKeen to see DEAKIN (15) again. He blew the cobwebs off first up in Australia over a mile at Ballarat before blowing his rivals off the Pakenham turf over this trip last start, scoring by three lengths. His overseas staying form was very good for this and he drops 7kg from last start. ARUGAMAMA (10) comes over from SA in fine form, a winner of her past two. She too drops down to 53kg and is rock hard fit, the slight query is that she's winless from five attempts over 2000m. Mertens needs to make it a strong staying test. OKITA SOUSHI (1) is interesting, first up since running a brave third in the Melbourne Cup. His two runs at 2000m last time in were poor so he might need this, but on class he has to be considered. BANKERS CHOICE (2) was given a positive ride last start and won at big odds. This is a similar race, he could go on with it. SHAIYHAR (13) has the ability on his day and back to 2000m should suit.
Resuming. Finished off last campaign third of 23 at this track in the G1 Melb Cup November 5 over 3200m, 0.9 len behind Knight's Choice carrying 51kg at $19. Previously first up; eighth of 10 at Caulfield Qlty August 31 over 2000m, 11 len behind Young Werther with 58.5kg at $26. Might need the run but third in a Melbourne Cup is hard to ignore.
Useful type. Most recently won by a long-neck at Moonee Valley Bm100 December 28 over 2040m defeating Promises Kept with 58.5kg at $31. The race before that 12th of 16 at Ballarat in the LR Brat Cup on December 7 over 2000m, 5.5 len behind Berkeley Square carrying 56kg at $51. Back in form, could go on with it.
At the latest run raced on the speed throughout before fading 11th of 13 at Moonee Valley Bm100 on December 28 over 2040m, 6 len behind Bankers Choice with 60kg at $6.50. The run before that ran on from midfield; 3rd of 11 at Werribee Werribee Cup on December 8 over 1600m, 2 len behind Riot And Rose with 58kg at $21. Disappointing last time, worth another chance.
Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resuming got back early 6th of 10 at Caulfield in the G3 Eclipse on November 30 over 1800m, on heavy track; 5 len behind New Energy with 54kg at $81. Second-up 8th of 13 at Moonee Valley Bm100 on December 28 over 2040m, 4.5 len behind Bankers Choice carrying 58.5kg at $41. Should improve again.
Most recently ran last of 13 at Moonee Valley Bm100 on December 28 over 2040m, 6 len behind Bankers Choice with 57kg at $31. The run before that second last of 11 at Caulfield in the G2 Sand Clssc on November 30 over 2400m, on heavy track; 22 len behind Arapaho carrying 59kg at $26. Will need to improve sharply.
Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up second last of 11 at Werribee Werribee Cup on December 8 over 1600m, 6 len behind Riot And Rose carrying 54kg at $41. Second-up 10th of 13 at Moonee Valley Bm100 on 2December 8 over 2040m, 5 len behind Bankers Choice carrying 53kg at $51. Looking to others for the winner.
Useful type. Comes off a 41 day let-up. Last start ran last of 11 at Werribee Werribee Cup on December 8 over 1600m, 7 len behind Riot And Rose carrying 54kg at $26. Before that 7th of 14 at Seymour in the LR Seym Cup on October 13 over 1600m, 4 len behind Midnight Blue with 54.5kg at $10. Risking.
Back from a long spell. Finished off last preparation second last of 10 at Rosehill in the G3 Sellwood on March 30 over 2000m, 5.5 len behind Serpentine carrying 55kg at $26. When resuming last campaign 9th of 12 at Randwick Bm88 on July 15 2023 over 1800m, 3.5 len behind Bold Mac carrying 58kg at $13. Watch the betting.
Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. First-up eased back early on 6th of 8 at Caulfield Heath Bm100 on December 14 over 1500m, 5.5 len behind Marble Arch carrying 54kg at $26. Second run from a spell second last of 7 at Geelong Coastal Classic on January 4 over 1700m, 6 len behind Holymanz carrying 55.5kg at $7.50. Wait until he produces something more before considering.
Useful mare. Most recently scored a big 3.5 len win at Morphettville Bm78 December 28 over 2500m defeating Cours Vite with 58kg at $3.30. The run before that ran on from midfield and won by 0.6 len at Morphettville Parks Bm80 December 7 over 2400m defeating Sentimental Flame carrying 56kg at $2.60. Back in trip the query but she'll be staying strongly.
Most recently second last of 13 at Moonee Valley Bm100 on December 28 over 2040m, 6 len behind Bankers Choice with 54.5kg at $5. The race before that made ground from midfield; 3rd of 16 at Ballarat Bm84 on December 7 over 2000m, 2.25 len behind Dublin Journal with 58.5kg at $26. Could bounce back.
At the latest run sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 3rd of 13 at Moonee Valley Bm100 on December 28 over 2040m, 2 len behind Bankers Choice carrying 52.5kg at $11. The start before that sat on the pace before fading 11th of 16 at Ballarat Bm84 on December 7 over 2000m, 9 len behind Dublin Journal carrying 58.5kg at $21. Others rate better.
Useful gelding. Last start 6th of 10 at Pakenham in the LR Pakenham Cup on December 21 over 2500m, 3.5 len behind Goldman carrying 54kg at $19. The start before that got back early 10th of 16 at Ballarat Bm84 on December 7 over 2000m, 8 len behind Dublin Journal carrying 59.5kg at $15. Working up to a win. Has the ability.
Dual acceptor. At the latest run 4th of 13 at Moonee Valley Bm100 on December 28 over 2040m, 2.5 len behind Bankers Choice with 52.5kg at $16. Before that 5th of 16 at Ballarat Bm84 on December 7 over 2000m, 4 len behind Dublin Journal with 58.5kg at $61. Rough hope.
Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up 7th of 15 at Ballarat Bm78 on December 7 over 1600m, 4 len behind Place Of Gold with 60kg at $6. Last start won by 3 len at Pakenham Bm78 December 21 over 2000m defeating Vivideel carrying 60kg at $4.80. Very progressive type who looks well placed down in the weights.