ATC Winter Cup – 2022

Track: Heavy   Weather: Possible showers

There are eight runners for the $150,000 Winter Cup, with one mare and seven geldings. There are 2 four-year-olds, 5 six-year-olds and an eight-year-old. Three of the runners had their last start in the Listed Lord Mayors Cup over 2000m on 21 May and two in a BM 60 Handicap over 2000m at Canberra on 20 May. Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott have two runners and so does Chris Waller.

The betting has Military Mission as the odds-on favourite after two wins and a close 2nd from his last three starts. Second favourite is Bonny Ezra who won over 2200m at Scone then was 2nd over 2400m at Randwick. Third favourite is Irish Sequel who finished 7th in the Lord Mayors Cup. Pappalino finished 4th in that race.

1. Taikomochi (1)

One of two runners for Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott. This eight-year-old Snitzel gelding is the senior runner in the race and has drawn the inside barrier. Last start he ran 6th of 10 in the Lord Mayor’s Cup and should be fitter for two runs.He has run well on heavy going and could surprise.

2. Alakahan (2)

This six-year-old has two wins at this distance, but hasn’t run better than 4th in six runs this campaign. He has failed in all four runs on heavy going. Looking elsewhere.

3. Pappalino (4)

Finished 4th in the Lord Mayor’s Cup and should improve third-up. Place chance.

4. Irish Sequel (6)

One of two runners for Chris Waller. He has won in heavy going before but was disappointing when 11 lengths 7th in the Lord Mayors Cup when he didn’t appear to handle the heavy going that day. Should improve.

5. Military Mission (5)

A Waterhouse/Bott runner. Has had four runs this campaign for two wins and two placesWas a 2.7 length winner over 2100m at Hawkesbury before being narrowly beaten as a favourite last start at Gosford. Has trialled since then and should be hard to beat.

6. Bonny Ezra (8)

This Waller runner was a narrow winner at Scone before 2nd over 2400m at Randwick last Saturday. On a seven day back-up and is one of the main chances.

7. Tan Line (3)

This mare from Canberra was a 2.3 length winner over 2200m at Nowra on 8 May then dropped out to finish last over 2000m at Canberra on 20 May. Having her first run in Sydney. Unlikely.

8. Le May (7)

Finished 3rd behind Tan Line at Nowra, then finished 3.7 lengths 7th at Canberra. Looking to others.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.