A quality field of stayers has accepted for Friday’s Group 3 Newcastle Gold Cup hoping to earn in a share of $250,000.
We’ve analysed each horse in the field and offer our thoughts below.
1. Arapaho (9)
Narrow winner of the Premier Cup two back at Randwick and does look up to this with a win over 2300m previously to his name. Did plenty wrong in the run home last start against easier company but the conditions that day make him worth forgiving. Maps to roll forward and make his own luck on the speed and he should be hard to run down with plenty of fitness on his side.
2. Mankayan (4)
Winner of three from four this prep, including last time out at The Valley where he worked home nicely off the speed. Draws to get a perfect run in transit with Ben Melham retaining the ride and a wet track won’t hurt his chances at all. Looks a potential Caulfield/Melbourne Cup horse and the rise in trip makes him the one to beat.
3. Sacramento (7)
Struggled to get through the going first-up at Randwick on a Heavy 10. Second-up record (5:3-0-0) reads well and he does look better suited getting out over further. Winner of the Canberra Cup earlier in the year but this looks tougher rising in grade.
4. Durston (1)
Last-start winner of the Wyong Cup that draws to do no work along the rail. Very plain the start prior against Group 3 company but has to be respected after the way he kicked clear last-start from a forward position. James McDonald retains the ride and another wet track only improves their chances.
5. Attorney (3)
Ran last at Randwick first-up in a Stakes race and hasn’t found the winner’s stall in nearly two years. Can’t recommend.
6. Carif (8)
Fitter for four runs back but needs to improve significantly on his effort in the Wyong Cup. Has had success here at Newcastle in the past but this race isn’t any easier.
8. Yiyi (2)
Settled midfield in the Wyong Cup and let down well to finish a clear second to Durston in the run home. No knock on his fitness with four runs under the belt and he’s another one that should appreciate a little cut out of the track. Maps to settle just behind the speed again, so look for him late.
9. Born A King (5)
Recent form is hard to fault. Winner of two of his last three starts, including over 2000m at Rosehill a few weeks ago where he found the front 400m from home and gapped his rivals by 4.5L. Handles wet going and looks the main danger to the favourite.