Canberra Cup – 2024

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 11 runners for the 2024 TAB Canberra Cup with 10 geldings and one mare. There are four 5YOs, five 6YOs, one 7YO and an 8YO. Four runners had their last start in the Listed Parramatta Cup over 1900m at Rosehill on 24th February (won by More Felons), while the rest came via different races. Trainer Annabel Neasham has 4 runners.

The betting market is very open. The early favourite is Almania who was a close runner-up in the Parramatta Cup. Second favouritism is split between So United who was 0.8 length 6th in that race, and Fawkner Park who ran 4th over 1400m at Rosehill last start when resuming. Diamil ran 9th in the Parramatta Cup and should improve on that, while Lord Ardmore finished 1.7 lengths 7th. Redstone Well was one-paced over 2000m at Randwick last start after winning over 1600m the start before, while Bois D’argent resumes after 20 weeks and has had 3 trials. The other runners are currently $26 or longer.

1. Bois D’argent (2)

He resumes from a 20 week spell after running 4th in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup and has had 3 trials. He has a great record over this distance with 3 wins and 5 places from 9 2000m starts. He is one of 4 runners for Annabel Neasham (the others are Fawkner Park, Regal Lion and Redstone Well). Has a good first-up record and is capable of getting into the money.

2. Diamil (6)

He’s had 2 runs back from a spell for 3rd over 1600m at Randwick on 10th February then 4 lengths 9th in the Parramatta Cup. Has a good third-up record and has 2 wins and a place from 5 starts over 2000m. Chance.

3. So United (7)

Ran 0.8 length 6th in the Parramatta Cup following consecutive wins over 1800m at Randwick then over 2200m at Gold Coast. Strong chance. Trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott who won this race with Sacramento in 2022 and Dark Eyes in 2017. Gai has also won with Hippopus in 2016, So Assertive in 2005 and Regal Touch in 2001.

4. Lord Ardmore (5)

Finished 1.7 lengths 7th in the Parramatta Cup where he chased hard. He hasn’t won beyond 1900m but looks a chance on that last run.

5. Fawkner Park (8)

Ran 4th over 1400m at Rosehill last start on 24th February when resuming. This is a big rise in distance but he is a solid stayer.

6. Regal Lion (4)

Has finished in the back half of the field at all 4 runs this preparation. Prefer others.

7. Almania (10)

This 8YO is the oldest runner in the race this year. He was a close runner-up in the Parramatta Cup and should go well. Trainer Kris Lees won this race in 2020 with Mugatoo.

8. Redstone Well (9)

Was one-paced over 2000m at Randwick last start after winning over 1600m the start before. In the mix.

9. Royal Robbins (3)

Ran 5 lengths 7th over 1900m at Canterbury last start Prefer others.

10. One Aye (11)

The only mare in the race. She was a close 3rd at this track and distance on 23rd February. Trained by Barbara Joseph, Paul & Matt Jones who won the Canberra Cup with Almost Court in 2018 and Fill The Page in 2012. Place chance.

11. El Lago (1)

Was a good winner of a BM 58 Handicap over 2145m at Goulburn on 1st March. This is much harder.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
7 Almania
3 So United
1 Bois D’argent
2 Diamil

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	7 Almania
2nd	8 Redstone Well	1.25 lengths
3rd	3 So United	1.75 lengths
4th	4 Lord Ardmore	2.57 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 5.

Scratchings: 1. Bois D’argent, 2. Diamil, 5. Fawkner Park.