Australian Cup – 2022

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

Twelve have accepted for the $1.5 million Group 1 Australian Cup.  Four had their last start in the Peter Young Stakes, three ran in the Carlyon Stakes and three others come via the Chipping Norton run on a heavy 10 at Randwick.  The early favourite in the betting is Think It Over.  He has won four of his last five starts and has never missed a place third up.  Next in the betting is Spanish Mission.  He was third in last years Melbourne Cup and is suited stepping to 2000m second up.

Cascadian won the Peter Young last start.  Duais won the Coongy at Caulfield in the spring and looks set to peak third up.  She’s Ideel was best placed of those who ran in the Chipping Norton – she finished second.  Callsign Mav was second in the Carlyon, while Maximal and Delphi were disappointing first up but have the class to give this a shake if they can find their best.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Cascadian

Godolphin gelding who was a good second behind Zaaki in the Mackinnon in the spring.  Won the Peter Young last start which was the same race last years winner Homesman used as his lead up.  Is ready to peak third up.

2. Think It Over

Bolted in first up in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes, then was a brave fourth in the Chipping Norton on a heavy track which is not his go.  Started a rock solid $5 chance in that.  Five time winner at the distance and maps to get a good run.  Rates highly.

3. Spanish Mission

Was third in last years Melbourne Cup.  Excellent first up run over 1600m in the Carlyon at Caulfield.  Out to 2000m suits and gets a positive jockey change with James McDonald going on.  Right in this.

4. Ho Ho Khan

Won the Hobart Cup two back, then was second in the Launceston Cup.  Don’t think that’s good enough form to be a factor here.

5. Steel Prince

Was ninth in this race last year.  Whacked away okay first up at Caulfield coming off an eleven month spell.  Race not run to suit there.  Will appreciate a more genuine tempo here.  Rough chance.

6. Surprise Baby

Class horse who has had his injury woes.  Thought he ran well first up at Caulfield.  Fitter for that and drawn well.  May need one more but is not hopeless here.

7. Yonkers

Chris Waller runner.  Was second in the Peter Young last start.  In the mix.

8. Callsign Mav

Ex Kiwi now with Danny O’Brien.  He raced outside lead in the Carlyon first up and was only collared late by Earlswood.  Looks a good prep run for this.  Chance.

9. Delphi

Was second in the Naturalism then won the Herbert Power last spring.  Just fair first up in the Peter Young first up but he went too slow in front.  Capable of improving lengths off that.  Don’t discount.

10. Maximal

Was sixth in the Golden Eagle at the end of October.  Finished last in the Apollo first up after trialling well leading in.  Steps sharply up in trip here with the blinkers coming off.

11. She’s Ideel

Was second in the Chipping Norton at a huge price last start.  Back onto good ground here which she is capable of handling.  Has a very good record at the trip.

12. Duais

Good win in the Coongy in October and wasn’t far away in the Chipping Norton last start.  Another who is drawn well and set to peak third up.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
1. Cascadian	2. Think It Over
2. Think It Over	3. Spanish Mission
3. Spanish Mission	1. Cascadian
8. Callsign Mav	8. Callsign Mav

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: nil

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	12 Duais
2nd	2 Think It Over	2 lengths
3rd	3 Spanish Mission	2.75 lengths
4th	4 Ho Ho Khan	2.95 lengths