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Sydney Cup 2017 race preview
07 April 2017 11:16 AM
Randwick was rated a heavy 8 on Friday morning and should dry further before they jump in the Group 1 Sydney Cup on Saturday. It's one of the few races run over the 3200m in Australia giving punters a look at some of the potential Melbourne Cup contenders for later in the spring.
Key runners
Big Duke. His recent two wins make a strong statement for his first go at 3200m. His last outing at 2600m was strong through the line on a heavy track with the the runner-up two lengths away. Rates well.
Assign finished 21 lengths away from Almandin in last year's Melbourne Cup. That was his first and only go at this distance. He had a good preparation leading into that race with a win in the 2400m Herbert Power and was runner up to Almandin at the same distance the run before that. Was good winning his recent effort in heavy going over 2000m. Chance.
Who Shot The Barman has been good enough this preparation to be considered as a contender. Finished fifth in the 2016 Melbourne Cup so can't be taken lightly.
Penglai Pavilion from the Godolphin stable. Ran a handy fifth in the 3yo Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe run over 2400m. Won some hurdle races in the UK and then recently won on flat over 3600m at Newmarket. One to watch.
Tally ran a strong third in the Lexus at 2500m last campaign. Seemed to enjoy the extra journey in the Mornington Cup when finishing too well for them. Has a good record in the wet and expect him to get the distance.
Libran was runner-up in this race last year in a gallant effort to the line. A little inconclusive this preparation with some reasonable efforts against top class opposition. In the mix.
Of the others.....
Vengeur Masque was solid in last year's Caulfield Cup and has come back this preparation well just missing in his recent Mornington Cup effort. Has won up to 2500m. Chance.
Change To Dance ran 2.8 lengths fourth with 58kg on his back in the Adelaide Cup at this distance. Good all-the-way win at 2400m a few runs before against reasonable opposition. Goes into the mix.
The Verdict
1st Tally shapes-up as a strong contender here. A small question mark at the distance but has strong form lines up to slightly shorter distances and good recent form is a huge plus.
2nd Big Duke
3rd Libran
Prefer to pick your own winners then learn the systems and betting strategies from professional punters and form analysts here.
Mike Steward