Brisbane Cup – 2021

Track: Good Weather: Fine

A small field of seven runners have accepted for the $400,000 Brisbane Cup.  All seven had their last start in one of two key lead up races.  Five come via the Group 3 Premier’s Cup run at Eagle Farm a fortnight ago and two back up after a run in the ATC Winter Cup at Rosehill last week.  The early favourite in the betting is the ATC Winter Cup winner Knight’s Order.  He is almost certain to lead and looks set to peak here fourth up over the two miles.  Next in the betting is Rondinella.  She finished second in this years Sydney Cup and is suited stepping back up in trip.

Carif doesn’t win out of turn but should get a lovely run in behind the speed.  Lord Belvedere has been made to work at his last two and is another who should get a more economical run this time around.  Brimham Rocks has over $1 mil in prize while the nine year old Sweet Thomas will carry just 53kg.  The remaining runner is longer than $20-1.

1. Carif

Narrow second in the Premier’s Cup a fortnight.  He won the Sandown Cup at his only try at this distance at the end of the Melbourne spring.  Loses Jamie Kah but is in the mix again here.

2. Brimham Rocks

Consistent galloper trained by Chris Waller.  He kicked off this campaign in Melbourne before switching to Queensland last start.  Struggles to win but should be considered for multiples.

3. Rondinella

This six year old mare prepared by John O’Shea at Randwick has three Group 1 placings to her name.  She was placed over this trip in the Sydney Cup two starts ago and maps to get a lovely run from barrier six for Glenn Boss.  Leading chance.

4. Knights Order

Blinkers come off this son of So You Think who won the Winter Cup at Rosehill last week.  He is unproven at the distance but Tim Clark should be able to dictate and control and give him every chance to run the trip from the front here.

5. Lord Belvedere

From a leading stable.  Has had four runs this prep all over 2400m.  That looks a good platform for him to tackle 3200m now.

6. Romakash

Started $151 in the Chairman’s and was beaten more than 13 lengths.  Not for me.

7. Sweet Thomas

Rising nine year old on the quick back up.  He may have some improvement to come third up but seems well enough found in early markets.

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

Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap 2021 (Eagle Farm 1400m)

Group 1 JJ Atkins 2021 (Eagle Farm 1600m)

Group 2 The Q22 2021 (Eagle Farm 2200m)

Group 3 Gunsynd Classic 2021 (Eagle Farm 1600m)

Listed The Wayne Wilson 2021 (Eagle Farm 1600m)