THE Aussies are descending on Addington for Cup Day.
Our Aussie correspondent ADAM HAMILTON takes a look at his compatriots’ prospects in the two feature races.
NZ CUP
SAN CARLO: He’s a ripper. Don’t worry about his age (nine), he’s a late maturer and heads to Addington in career-best form. “It’s like he’s gone to another level this campaign,” co-trainer and driver Bec Bartley said. There’s no doubt he’s good enough to win a race like this, but he will need to do everything right at the start from barrier one. If he happened to step to the lead, he’d be the horse to beat. If not, luck becomes everything.
CRUZ BROMAC: Well, we can sort of claim him given he prepared for the race back in Victoria for trainer Amanda Grieve then re-joined the All Stars barn. Terrific third in the Victoria Cup three starts back. Certainly did enough after a tardy start then sitting parked at Kaikoura, albeit against lesser opposition. Probably looks a tad below stablemates Spankem and Thefixer, but he’s got class and could surprise.
OUR UNCLE SAM: The “find” of last year’s Melbourne Inter Dominion series, but hasn’t quite gone on with it since. Tired after doing the work at Ashburton then lost all hope when he bungled the start at Kaikoura. Local hero Mark Jones jumps aboard and he can certainly improve, but a place hope looks best.
NZ TROTTING FFA
TOUGH MONARCH: Gee he’ll be hard to beat. Racing in career-best form and smashed the clock with 1min54.4sec all-the-way win over 1720m at Melton in hot field three starts back. “I’ve never had him better,” trainer Rickie Alchin said. Quick beginner, drawn well, awfully hard to beat if he finds the front, which seems very likely.
MCLOVIN: Former Kiwi who has been a revelation for Andy Gath in Victoria. Specifically set for the two big races this week. Amazing first-up win in Group 1 Bill Collins Mile when off the track most of the trip and just kept coming. Classy, very strong and has a turn of speed. Needs luck from back row, but he’s certainly good enough if the race is run to suit.
Adam Hamilton for HRNZ