RECAP: ROUNDING OUT THE TOP 5
05/28/2016
| Pos | Gate | Horse | Stable | Jockey | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | Idea Cafe Stink | ghanainternational | Alexandra Sembrat | 1:49.904 |
| 2 | 2 | Herculaneum | Barcarolle | Jaqueline Borgman | 1:50.501 |
| 3 | 5 | Just About Square | Get Square Lodge | Ermelinda Rabideau | 1:51.076 |
| 4 | 1 | Sparrow Fart | Sardean Lodge | Isadora Mominee | 1:51.131 |
| 5 | 4 | From Outta Space | Ezulwini | Lekisha Toste | 1:51.162 |
The Australian Cup – Sydney Harbour Racecourse
Hello punters, another preview this time the Australian Cup, proudly sponsored by Rafindale. A cup won by some of the finest horses in the game.
To change it up this week, I decided to drop in on Briggs trainer of Herculaneum. For those that don’t know Briggs, she is the trainer of the up and coming Barcarolle stable.
Crackers- Thanks for your time Briggs, you started just over 16 months ago and your been very patient how hard has the first 16 months been?
Briggs – Have been concentrating on training while keeping the stable small and developing an apprentice. This will be the focus for another 3-4 months.
Crackers – You have a nice team of youngsters, one is the lightly raced Herculaneum, how has the preparation been?
Briggs – Herculaneum is a nice prospect for the stable having it’s first real test this weekend, his preparation has been excellent and should be a top three contender in the big cup race.
Crackers – He has been lightly raced, is that due to weather or being patient and bidding your time?
Briggs – Herculaneum has been set for this race and will be given every chance to show if he can mix it with the big boys.
Crackers – Your heat run was solid, can we expect some improvement or is this cup just another step to a long term plan?
Briggs – The heat was a solid hit-out with plenty left in the tank for the final. I think it will have to find a few lengths of improvement in order to contend but will have a track to suit to perform well.
Crackers – Long term goals for Herculaneum, and what else do you have on the up in your barn, we can look out for?
Briggs – Herculaneum is one of several quality horses in the barn, Empyrean a top shelf sprinter leading the way ahead of Surfin’ Safari who also runs in a cup this weekend are the top picks. With Maahes the future stud of the stable right up there as a future star. Bona Dea is developing into a solid sprinter and Demeter could be a nice stayer.
Thanks for your time Briggs.
Below are a few comments on each entry and their chances, at this stage the money looks like riding on From Outta Space, Herculaneum and Idea Cafe Stink.That said, Sparrow Fart and Deputy Dawg can certainly do some damage so a open cup, which means good betting, so good punting.
1. Sparrow Fart |
4yo mare from Sardean Lodge, Career earnings: $995,610 Overall rating: Admirable(58) – Needs space |
Comments: Well trained need space, it’s a tough style to master and to date Sparrow Fart been solid in the cups. Biggest hurdle maybe the ground as she has mudlarks all around, but given a nice run, might again get in the money.
2. Herculaneum |
4yo stallion from Barcarolle, Career earnings: $370,000 Overall rating: Admirable(57) – Mud-lark |
Comments: Barcarolle has a few runners this weekend and Herculaneum is one, only lightly raced so has upside. This young stallion’s heat was a solid effort and may set the pace early so may come down to what he has left late as to his chances but shows promise.
3. Son Of Irene |
4yo stallion from Gaspers, Career earnings: $584,139 Overall rating: Acceptable(43) – Mud-lark |
Comments: Gaspers has a pretty young stable with Son Of Irene making his debut in a age cup final. Recently shown improved form and to contest her may need to show more but giving up a bit to the others and may struggle.
4. From Outta Space |
4yo mare from Ezulwini, Career earnings: $1,841,950 Overall rating: Reasonable(51) – Mud-lark |
Comments: Quality trainer is no stranger to running mudlarks and even with giving rating up to others can still be in the finish.
5. Just About Square |
4yo stallion from Get Square Lodge, Career earnings: $494,500 Overall rating: Reasonable(52) – Early sprinter |
Comments: This young stallion has been mighty consistent in all races he contests, but the ground may see him hit the wall. The track will be mighty wet and not to the liking of Just About Square.
6. Idea Cafe Stink |
4yo mare from ghanainternational, Career earnings: $390,750 Overall rating: Admirable(56) – Mud-lark |
Comments:Big strong well bred mare that has high experience, only lightly raced and just might break her maiden status, certainly has the ability in a open Australian this season.
7. Shadow Warrior |
4yo stallion from RCS Locos, Career earnings: $1,482,600 Overall rating: Reasonable(54) – Fast finisher |
Comments: Lowe Guineas winner from the RCS Locos stable who’s form in recent times has been very good. Probably find the ground will curb his finish but still should plug on late.
8. The Clyde National |
4yo stallion from Cape Hall, Career earnings: $621,820 Overall rating: Satisfactory(46) – Early sprinter |
Comments: Always good to see stables have a go, this young stallion looks well out of his depth both in rating and style, so will be a tough day at the office.
9. Deputy Dawg |
4yo stallion from Magoo’s Fine Equine, Career earnings: $652,320 Overall rating: Admirable(55) – Mud-lark |
Comments: Magoo is no stranger to the cups and keeps on producing both quality racehorses and jockeys. Here is no different with Deputy Dawg has experience with solid form, biggest worry is fitness, if he is fit on the day a top 3 is within reach.
10. Never Nothing |
4yo mare from Pugstable, Career earnings: $1,672,980 Overall rating: Reasonable(52) – Competitive |
Comments: Cup winner as a 2yo and since then never quite lived up to that early potential. Still has been solid in most starts without threatening, on slow may again find the going too hard.
11. Milky Taddeo |
4yo stallion from Stud Del Negro, Career earnings: $45,000 Overall rating: Acceptable(41) – Natural champion |
Comments: Milky Taddeo looks a long way off the pace and may find the competition a bit too slick.