Chris Waller is set to field five contenders in the Gosford Gold Cup this Saturday, aiming for his fourth victory in the 2100m feature. Unusually, all his runners—First Light ($101), Etna Rosso ($26), Scarlet Oak ($15), Medatsu ($13), and Mr Waterville ($41)—are expected to start at double-figure odds.
Medatsu, the shortest-priced among them, is backing up after a commendable fourth-place finish in last week’s Wagga Cup (2000m). Drawing barrier two at Gosford, Waller anticipates a more forward position in the run.
“From a wide draw the other day he just got a long way back so we will try to use the draw and have him a bit closer,” Waller said.
“He ticks a few boxes and he’s a decent horse.”
Medatsu has been consistently performing, with a fifth-place finish in the Albury Cup (2000m) prior to Wagga. Kerrin McEvoy retains the ride.
Mr Waterville, initially aimed at the Sydney Cup (3200m), missed a start and has since been freshened. Waller hopes the Gosford race will serve as a stepping stone towards the Brisbane Cup (3200m) next month.
“He’s had lots of excuses along the way but he’s well and he’s a rough place chance on Saturday,” Waller added.
Top weight Klondike is unlikely to run from a wide draw, with co-trainer Tom Charlton considering the Andrew Ramsden Stakes (2800m) at Flemington as an alternative.
“We had a slightly negative run with him the other day and we don’t want to do the same thing again,” Charlton said.
The Gosford Gold Cup, offering Big Dance eligibility, has attracted a full field of 14, with defending champion Hezashocka leading the market at $5.
For those interested in betting on the Gosford Gold Cup, it’s advisable to explore various bookmakers to find the best odds and promotions. A comprehensive list of Australian betting sites can be found at Just Horse Racing’s betting sites list.