Bendigo Cup – 2022

Track: Heavy Weather: Overcast

A golden ticket into the Melbourne Cup is up for grabs and the Maher & Eustace stable lead the market with High Emocean who brings in the right form and class and should have no excuses from the draw. Nobel Heights returned well and should be in the mix while Port Philip is looking for 5 straight wins and simply doesn’t know how to lose. There isn’t much speed in the race so early tactics will be interesting.

1. Crystal Pegasus (6) – SCRATCHED

2. Glint Of Hope (3)

Some query on the heavy for Glint Of Hope but it did win 4th up last prep and does continue to improve with each run. I’d suggest it prefers dry ground so that is the massive query but it still has the ability to take this out if conditions dry up.

3. High Emocean (4)

Hard to beat and really brings in the class factor here. No problems on the heavy and hasn’t missed the quinella from 4 goes over the trip. Coffey should get the dream run from barrier 4 and the stable are the best in the land at producing and maintaining high class stayers. Hard to beat.

4. Dadoozdart (8)

Finds a heavy track and flies over this trip, enough factors to bring Dadoozdart into contention. Mcneil will need some luck early from the draw but it looks poised to find the top 4.

5. Verimli (1)

The stable are having a horror run in Victoria this season so I’d want to see them lift before considering. Verimli does get a nice lead here but didn’t handle the heavy at its only attempt. Hard to have off that effort but inclined to respect any market moves.

6. Nobel Heights (6)

Brings in a strong 2nd up record and 1/1 over this trip. Jordan Childs knows the horse well and should have it camped just off the speed. On form, it is the one to beat and this race is suitable.

7. Port Phillip (7)

Port Phillip just continues to win and it is hard to deny its claims here. Has ticked off the heavy box, won over the trip and finds Craig Newitt for the first time. This race is within reach and it certainly knows where the line is.

8. Wertheimer (2)

Brings in some solid form for this and maps kindly from the draw. Can give this race a shake but the 0 from 2 heavy record is a concern.

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