For those in the region, why not head down to the Tweed River Jockey club for Cup day. Always a great day out and the club have plenty in place to make sure everyone has a good day.
PREVIEW:
The gates have really decided for a few horse the tactics they will employ. SPEED MAP gate 15, KAIROS LOUSIE 12, KIPLING’S JOURNEY 11, HIGH DANDY 16 and ATMOSPHERE 17 have all drawn wide at a sticky starting point and they have to push on and set a good tempo or be a risk of being caught wide the entire 1550m.
It is very hard to go past (4) ROCK EMPIRE here. Maher is the best trainer in the country and the fact he has given this bloke two runs and the perfect prep for this race 3rd up is no surprise. He is tactically versatile and Maloney is likely to use the gate and try to land in the first 5-6 settling and not spend a penny in the run. Fresh run over 1200m was good (2nd best L200m of the race) and the last start win was brave. Was headed there and just wanted it more. That says he is rock hard fit and ready to rumble here.
Might be more of an afterthought for (3) EXPRESS PAYMENT but he is in career best form. Has had seven runs this prep for 2x wins and 5x placing’s. This is about the perfect trip for him, he handles all ground and just a matter of getting some luck in running from the tricky gate.
(9) GOLDEN CROSS is airborne and comes here off two good wins in the city. Good apprentice claim means he has just 52kg and can sprint well late. May get a long way back though and will need a 10/10 ride to weave his way through.
(1) LOCH EAGLE is an old marvel but you can’t go on forever. His best would beat these that is for sure. Just 63kg is a little query.
(10) HIGH DANDY had been very good for the new stable this prep until last start flop. Minor injury there so it could pay to be forgiving.
GIBBO’S TIP:
Backing (4) ROCK EMPIRE
