Boulder Cup – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 10 runners for the  $125,000 Blue Spec Drilling Boulder Cup this year. There are 8 geldings and 2 mares with three 5YOs, three 6YOs, one 7YO, two 8YOs and one 10YO. Five of them had their last start in the Coolgardie Cup over 1760m at Kalgoorlie on 10th September, while two had their last start in a RTG 70+ Handicap over 2200m at Belmont on 16th September and the other 3 came via different races. Two runners are sired by Blackfriars.

The early favourite is Villeins who kept coming gamely to finish a close 2nd over 2200m at Belmont last start. Second favourite is Be Optimistic who finished 0.9 length 3rd in the Coolgardie Cup. Third favourite is Ground Braker who led in that race but was overhauled in the final stride to finish 2nd. Our Norman ran 5th over 2200m at Belmont last start in the same race as Villeins. The other runners are currently $15 or longer.

1. Utgard Loki (7)

Looked as if he was going to run a place in the Coolgardie Cup then faded in the straight to finish 8th. Prefer others.

2. General Grant (10)

Two starts back he won over 2200m at Belmont, then last start he only beat one home over 2200m at Belmont. Wait until he shows more consistency.

3. Be Optimistic (3)

Had her first start at Kalgoorlie last outing when she finished 0.9 length 3rd in the Coolgardie Cup. That is a traditional lead-up for this race. One of the main chances.

4. Dancing Jack (1)

All his recent racing has been at this track. Has 3 places from 5 starts at this distance. Ideally drawn but looks tested.

5. Elafella (6)

Comes off a 2.2 length win in the Broome Cup over 2200m. Hasn’t raced here before but is going well and should make his presence felt.

6. Friar Away (5)

The oldest runner this year. Had some gear changes and finished 1.2 lengths 4th in the Coolgardie Cup.Trained by Justine Erkelens who won this race with Friar Fox in 2020 and 2021. Jockey Shaun O’Donnell has won 3 of the last 8 Boulder Cups (2015, 2020 and 2021).  Place chance.

7. Ground Braker (4)

Only caught in the final stride to finish a close 2nd in the Coolgardie Cup. Should fight out the finish.

8. Our Norman (2)

This is his best distance range but he hasn’t done much at Kalgoorlie in 4 previous races here.Place chance.

9. Rocky Path (9)

She has 3 wins and a place from 5 runs at the track, but looked plain when 5.7 lengths 6th in the Coolgardie Cup after being slowly away. Not the worst.

10. Villeins (8)

Having his first trip to Kalgoorlie and has been racing well at Belmont this campaign. Looks well suited here and gets William Pike aboard (who has never won this race). Strong chance.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
10 Villeins
7 Ground Braker
3 Be Optimistic
5 Elafella

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	10 Villeins
2nd	3 Be Optimistic	1.73 lengths
3rd	4 Dancing Jack	2.69 lengths
4th	7 Ground Braker	5.09 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

There were no scratchings.