TAB AUSTRALIAN CUP RACE DAY, 29 MARCH
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.AU