2011 Australian Cup Preview & Tips

2011 Australian Cup Preview & Tips

Flemington – Sat 12 March 2011

There are two Group 1 races at Flemington on 12^th March, and both carry prizemoney of $1,000,000. The Dubai Australian Cup is a weight-for-age race over 2000 metres and the Newmarket Handicap is a sprint handicap over 1200 metres. This Australian Cup market has a field of 15 runners. Last years winner, Zipping, had been going to defend his title but was taken out of the field on Tuesday afternoon with a leg injury. The betting market is fairly open at this stage.

Runners in the 2011 Dubai Australian Cup at Flemington

Heart Of Dreams ($4.40) ran fourth in this race last year behind Zipping. Last year his lead-up run was 2^nd in the Group 2 St George over 1800m. This year he comes into the race with a good win in that same race over Precedence and Spacecraft, despite over racing in the early and middle stages. If he gets a good barrier draw he should go well here.

Moudre ($6) has come a long way in the last year. By March 2010 his only win was a maiden race at Warrnambool but during the spring carnival he showed himself to be a quality stayer with a 2^nd to Americain in the Geelong Cup and a win in the 2600m Queen’s Cup on the last day of the carnival. He has two runs from a spell and this distance is ideal for him now.

Precedence ($6.50) has had two runs from a spell with the latest a 2^nd to Heart of Dreams on 26 February. The extra 200 metres will suit and if he draws well I would expect to see him get some prizemoney.

Linton ($7) is a lovely looking grey gelding, who despite only having 2 runs from a spell would probably go better over a longer distance. Although only four-years-old his best race performances were over 2400 and 2500m as he produces a long sustained run. Expect to see him finishing off the race well.

Shocking ($9) won the 2009 Melbourne Cup. He has had 2 runs from a spell and should improve on his last start 7^th in the St George.

Playing God ($12) ran 3^rd to Shamrocker in the Australian Guineas last week at his first run in the eastern states. His Perth record is formidable with 6 runs from 11 starts, including 4 in a row before last week. He is the only three-year-old in the race and carries 4.5kg  less than most of the runners.

Jo’s Tips – Australian Cup

1. Precedence,  2. Heart Of Dreams,  3. Playing God

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