My Clubs
Start Club
Join Club
News
Sydney Cup 2017 re run race preview April 21 2017
21 April 2017 11:16 AM
Randwick was rated a heavy 8 on Friday morning and should dry further before they jump in the second attempt to find a winner of the Group 1 Sydney Cup on Saturday. It's a rare occurrence when you get to see the running of a race in almost identical circumstances a few weeks before. While it gives punters some insight into the comparative form of the competitors it can also throw a few curve balls - Which horses were eased down? What are the differences in conditions? How do the field changes impact the contest?
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 runner-up two lengths away. Was eased down at his first go at this race a few weeks back. Still rates well.
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. Finished third out of six finishers in the abandoned go at this.
Polarisation. Was hard to get a read on him with only international form to go on before he seemed to be the probable winner in the abandoned go at this race a few weeks ago. Has to come into contentions on that effort.
Lasqueti Spirit. Happy to overlook her run in The BMW when she raced hard on the speed. Likes a wet track and comes in light in the weights but distance is a the query
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. Jockey backed him off in the abandoned race. In this.
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. Lost the rider in the non-race a few weeks ago.
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. Was runner-up in the abandoned version of this race.
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. Another who was eased out in the abandoned race.
Of the others.....
Boom Time has put in some sold efforts this campaign with a string of victories in slightly easier races. Looked like he had more petrol in the tank across the line at his recent outing. Not hopeless.
The Verdict
1st Tally sticking with him again for the second go. Shapes-up as a strong contender here again.
2nd Penglai Pavilion
3rd Polarisation
Prefer to pick your own winners then learn the systems and betting strategies from professional punters and form analysts here.
Mike Steward