It may be only a small field of nine to take part in the staying feature at Rosehill this Saturday, the ATC Cup, but it is shaping up as a competitive race with more than half of the field at single figure odds, including the Godolphin pairing of Malice and Gallatin. Malice defeated several of the rivals he faces on Saturday last start and is the early favourite to do so again at $3.50 with Gallatin, who has taken an unorthodox approach to this race, at $7.50. Chris Waller filled the placings with Hoylonny and Secessio in last year’s race behind winner Travolta, third in 2012 edition with Moriarty and will be hoping either Permit or Beyond Thankful can give him one of the rare Sydney staying features events that is missing from his trophy cabinet. Permit ($11.00) ran a cracking race first up whilst Beyond Thankful ($4.60) has had no luck at his last two outings, the latest of which was behind Malice.

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ATC Cup 2014 Field

1. PERMIT – B Shinn (2) 59kgs

With three trials under his belt, the 8yo gelding was produced first up off a four month break over 1900 with 59.5kgs at Rosehill last fortnight. Punters thought the task too great and he drifted from 16/1 out to 25/1 but he ran a race that belied the drift, finishing only a neck third to Malice and Midsummer Sun. He camped up on the speed and kept fighting tenaciously in the straight, only being bettered in the final stages. Couldn’t have asked for me from him first up and his second up record is a win and three seconds from six starts but all of his eight career wins, have come at a distance of 2200m and beyond.

2. MIDSUMMER SUN – T Angland (3) 56.5kgs

The 7yo gelding had two well-spaced runs back from a spell, both in Group company, before getting a nice drop behind the leading pair and running fifth (3.5 lengths) to Best Case in a BM 95 (1800m) That was only his third run in this prep and only his second for five weeks so he was expected to take further benefit from that outing and he did, running a narrow second to Malice in an Open handicap (1900m) a fortnight ago. He followed the leader home from the second half of the field and together they hit the line with Malice, who had a 3kgs advantage, getting the bob in. Meet’s Malice slightly better at the weights, is drawn to get a lovely run behind the speed and is sure to be prominent.

3. GALLATIN – T Berry (8) 54.5kgs

Last time we saw the Godolphin 4yo was in late September when he recorded a fourth placing (0.8 lengths) behind Deane Martin in the G3 Colin Stephen (2400m). He was given a solid hit-out in a 1200m trial three weeks ago, which he narrowly won, to keep him up to the mark for this event. Record at or beyond 2000m reads well for this and includes a win over this course in the G2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) on a heavy track. Capable all conditions though and despite the two month break, wouldn’t dismiss his chances lightly.

4. MALICE – S Clipperton (1) 54kgs

Secured his fourth career win, and second this preparation, at his most recent start when toughing it out well to narrowly defeat Midsummer Sun in an Open Handicap (1900m). He settled three back the running line, peeled out top of the straight and found when challenged late. Progressing nicely this campaign and wouldn’t be surprised to see him continue that trend with another good run here.

5. BEYOND THANKFUL – G Schofield (7) 54kgs

The 5yo gelding has had limited luck in his last two outings. The first, a BM 85 (2000m) saw him run out of room when closing well to run third behind stable-mates Grand Marshal and Saigon Tea – who both subsequently ran well in Melbourne during cup week. He then missed a run at the top of the straight, found traffic at the 250m before easing off heels the final 200m and closing well in-between runners in an Open handicap over 1900, running fourth (0.5 length) behind Malice. Could’ve quite possibly been coming into this race looking for a hat-trick of wins and although he is only one win from eleven Australian starts, the former import looks a live chance to better that start here going on recent efforts.

6. WOLD WIDE – T Clark (6) 54kgs

Another 8yo by Universal Prince, he claimed the Port Macquarie Cup three starts back and backed that up with an even finishing effort in a leader’s dominated race, running fifth (3.8 lengths) behind Mulaqen and La Amistad in the Listed City Tatt’s Cup. Given four weeks off after that run and at his only start since, only held his ground from a rearward position when seventh of eight (4.5 lengths) behind Malice in a 1900m Open class race. Fitter again for that run and the old boy seems to be going as well as he has in a long while but don’t that’ll be good enough to win here though.

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7. METAPHORICAL – D Dunn (10) 54kgs

The Peter Moody trained galloper produced some sound runs in some of the leading 3yo races in Sydney including a third placing behind Zanbagh in the Listed Keith Nolan (1600m) and a close up sixth behind Thump in the G2 Surround Stakes (1400m). The Dylan Thomas mare draw wide and wasn’t far off some smart mares when ninth (4.5 lengths) in the G3 Ladies Day Cup third up before appreciating the drop in class and step up in distance, and comfortably winning a BM 78 for fillies and mares at Moonee Valley two starts later, her most recent outing. Good style of win last time out, her first this prep beyond a mile and would have to respect the stable’s decision to travel up to Sydney and have a crack at this race.

8. PLANET PURPLE – K McEvoy (5) 54kgs

Had only his second start in a year, and first for nine months, when running a very pleasing sixth (1.5 lengths) behind Amovatio in a BM 88 (1600m) three weeks ago. The 8yo son of Universal Price worked home well from last and connections would’ve been more than satisfied with his effort. Takes a significant step up here though in terms of class, weight and distance, and ideally would’ve liked to see him with another run under his belt heading into a competitive race such as this.

9. DREAM FOLK – K O’Hara (4) 54kgs

Joined the Greg Hickman stable at the start of this prep and after a two runs back from a three month spell, indicated he may be ready to produce his best when finishing steadily to claim fourth (1.4 lengths) behind Amovatio in a BM 88 (1600m). Unfortunately though he raced on last week’s Kensington track and given the state of the track, it’s hard to know what to make of his seventh (5.7 lengths) behind Resurrect and Paris Match. His form over this distance and similar class last preparation was good and included a second to Keep Cool and a long neck third to Sabor A Triunfo. If you forgive him last start, the $26 could represent some value here in an open race.

10. ANOTHER PRAYER – (9) 54kgs

A late entry for the race, this 4yo mare from the John Thompson yard has only had the one start back from a six month spell, resulting in an eighth (6.9 lengths) behind Resurrect in a BM 70 (1600m). Came from last first up in a field of fifteen and winner has since registered another strong win. Good base to work from for this campaign but would think at this stage, there’s easier races than this one for her.

ATC Cup 2014 Odds/Results

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RACE OVERVIEW

Hard to find a pace-maker here and there’s a danger this could be a muddling run race. From gate three, Midsummer Sun and Tye Angland should be perfectly placed no matter how the race is run and his price compared to Malice’s, who nosed him out last start, looks attractive. Beyond Thankful probably should’ve won last start and here’s hoping new rider Schofield, who combines well with Waller trained horses, steers a clear path out wide. Concern here is the way the race will be run and how far back she gets but going better than her form reads on paper and has to be included. Hard to leave Malice out of calculation whilst still on 54kgs and in form

1. BEYOND THANKFUL

2. MIDSUMMER SUN

3. MALICE

News:

New Zealand jockey Lisa Cropp has apologised for the drug infringement which has halted her latest comeback.

The three-time New Zealand champion was stood down at Te Awamutu on Thursday after she produced a “non negative” sample.

The jockey was involved in a long-running legal battle after returning a positive sample to methamphetamine after riding Darci Brahma to victory at Te Rapa in 2005.

Cropp fought the charge in the Supreme Court but was eventually disqualified for nine months and ordered to pay around $100,000 in fines and legal costs.

She returned to riding and based herself in Melbourne in 2012 before returning to her homeland briefly before announcing her retirement.

The 44-year-old Cropp made her latest return early this month.

In an open letter to New Zealand media, Cropp said she would seek help for her addiction.

“I would like to personally apologise to all my supporters and to all industry participants for my actions during and after my failed drug test at the Waipa Racing Club meeting on Thursday, November 27, 2014,” she said.

“With the support of my family and friends I will face this issue head on and get the necessary help and rehabilitation I need to move forward with my life and career in a positive way.

“I am prepared to face a judicial inquiry and abide by any penalties handed to me for my conduct.

“Once again I am sincerely sorry for my shortcomings and behaviour, but am heartened by others that have been able to rise above their addictions and I am determined to achieve this.”