Tomorrow see’s the running of the 2012 Albury Gold Cup at Albury racecourse, this years race looks to lack a bit of quality although should still be a good race. The current favourite is Malua racing’s Under The Hat who look’s on paper to be the horse to beat. View our Albury Gold Cup tips and selections.
1 Extra Zero:Last years Albury Gold Cup runner up behind Paddy O’Reily, returned this preparation with a good run when finishing 5th in the Nadeem Handicap over 1400m. Was stepped up to 1600m last start in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes at Flemington and ran a very good race against a classy field only beaten 4L by Green Moon. Only goes up 1kg from that run and is without a doubt the classiest horse in the race the only worry is barrier 16. If he can get a good run during the race he will be right in the finish.
2 Bid Spotter: Returned this preparation in the Maher Memorial Handicap when running 5th over 1500m. Goes into tomorrow’s race with a very disappointing run at Rosehill when running last. Looks to have lost his early form and would be a surprise if he figures in the placings. Has been given 57.5kg and from barrier 13 im happy to risk.
3 King Diamond: Consistent galloper who is a winner at the distance from two starts. Was very disappointing last start in the Canberra Cup when running 9th but had to do work early from the outside barrier, jumps from barrier 2 tomorrow which will allow the son of Danewin to push forward without working too hard. Will make his own luck and be hard to run down, currently at good odds and looks to be a good each way bet.
4 Over Quota: Kilmore Cup winner over 1600m, ran in the Blamey Stakes last start as did Extra Zero when running 9th. Steps up to 2000m for the first time which is a worry and has to overcome barrier 17. Looks to be an out and out miler and from the outside barrier he wont be able to reserve any energy for the final stages of the race. Has been backed from $10 into $9 although im happy to risk over this distance.
5 World Wide: Very consistant runner trained by Bede Murray, last start 2nd in the Canberra Cup by .2L which looks to be a very good form line heading into tomorrow’s race. Has drawn an ideal barrier (4) and will be able to sit on the fence just behind the leaders giving him every opportunity during the race. Experienced jockey Peter Robl retains the ride and he looks to be a major threat in the race.
6 Down Under Boy: Campaigned galloper who will be having his 63rd start tomorrow, has had a lot of experience at the trip and can throw in a very good run every now and then. Has drawn a good barrier and should get a good run during transit. Definitely one to throw into your multiples but a win is unlikely.
7 Under The Hat: Current favourite for the race and has seen some support from punters, a lightly raced 5YO who is likely to improve with every run. Last start ran 2nd at Flemington in the Mittys Handicap over 2000m beaten 1.5L when starting favourite. Should strip fitter for the run and from barrier 8 he should get a good run during the race. Looks on paper to be the one to beat.
8 Cheviot Beach: Talented galloper who has an unbeaten record over the distance with two wins at 2000m from two starts. Last start was stepped up to 2600m and didnt handle the distance. Definitely able to win the race although probably doesnt have the class of some of the other runners, wouldnt surprise if he was to run into the placings. Good each way bet.
9 Muirfield (Nz): Last start winner at Sandown over 1800m in slow going. Trained by Michael Moroney and should be able to run out the 2000m, has had three starts at the distance for one placing although the two unplaced runs were in Group company. Should be respected but looks like he may lack the class needed to win the race. Another good each way hope but is under the odds.
10 London Stripe (Ire): Lightly raced 5YO who contested the Corowa Cup last start in which he ran 10th. Two starts ago ran well at Moonee Valley finishing 2nd where he looked to be unlucky. Going on his last start he wont figure in the race. Happy to leave him out of my selections.
11 Micalong: Country galloper who has placed in half of his races. Jumps up sharply in class here, Blake Shinn takes the ride which is a bonus. Not the worst runner in the race so could be one at odds to add to your multiples.
12 Riverina Highway: Was very disappointing last start in the Corowa Cup when he jumped favourite and finished 2nd last beaten 5.5L. Willing to forgive his run and on previous form comes into tomorrows race better than a lot of other runners at great odds. Roughie with a good each way chance.
13 This Cat’s Magic: 2nd in the Corowa Cup where he had all favours during the run, ran on well and only just missed on the post. Goes up 2kg from that run and draws a worse barrier in a better field. Locally trained by Brian Cox so has to be respected but happy to risk him.
14 Cosmic Fury: Scratched
15 Capriev: Ran 9th in a 0 – 68 rated race last start at Ballarat. Jumps sharply in class and wont figure in the race.
16 Waterlina: Cant win, here to make up the numbers.
17 Mythical Lad: Cant win, here to make up the numbers.
18 Pole Dancing: Cant win, here to make up the numbers.
Overview: This years race looks to have lost its quality of previous years, there looks to be three or four good winning chances with the rest of the field just making up numbers. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of speed in the race so you will want your runner in the first half of the field. Under The Hat looks to have the most upside heading into this race and he looks like a very talented up and coming stayer. The main danger looks to be Extra Zero who on class alone can win this. King Diamond is likely to lead and depending on the amount of pressure may get an easy lead and be tough to run down.
Selections:
1: Under The Hat
2: Extra Zero
3: King Diamond
4: World Wide
Roughie: Riverina Highway
