2022 G.A. Towton Cup Race Details
Race 8 at Ascot on Saturday 10th December 2022.
The G.A. Towton Cup is a Listed race over 2200 metres at Ascot. It is a quality handicap race for horses three-years-old and upwards run by the Western Australian Turf Club in December. It is held on Gold Rush day and has prizemoney of $125,000 this year.
You can read more about the race history, lead-up races and past winners on the G.A. Towton Cup page.
G.A. Towton Cup 2022 Preview
Track: Good Weather: Fine
There are 12 runners lining up for the $125,000 G.A. Towton Cup, 10 geldings and 2 mares. There is one 4YO, one 5YO, one 6YOs, four 7YOs, three 8YOs and one 9YO. Eight runners had their last start in the Listed A.J. Scahill Cup over 2100m at Ascot on 26 November, while the other 4 came via different races. One is first-up from a spell. Trainer Adam Durrant has three runners and Daniel Morton has two.
The early favourite is Alaskan God who is on a seven day back-up after being less than 3 lengths from the winner in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes. Second favourite is Pure Devotion who had good closing splits when 6th in the Scahill Cup. Third favourite is Neufbosc who ran 2nd in this race in 2020 and finished 2nd in the Scahill last outing.
Buster Bash has 4 wins from 8 races this campaign and was outclassed in the Group 1 Railway Stakes last start where he was dropping back in distance. Stafford’s Lad finished 3rd in this race last year, while Black Shadow won this race last year. The other runners are currently 20 to 1 or longer, including Trap For Fools who has won this race twice before.
2022 G.A. Towton Cup Runner by Runner
1. Trap For Fools (12)
This 9YO has won this race twice before, in 2017 and 2020. Last year he dropped away to finish 5.9 lengths 9th in this race, then went on to run 1.9 lengths 5th in the Perth Cup on 1 January 2022. He hasn’t raced since then and is having his first start for a new trainer. Won a recent trial and looks ready to go. Don’t dismiss.
2. Buster Bash (10)
Has 4 wins from 8 races this campaign and was outclassed in the Group 1 Railway Stakes last start where he was dropping back in distance. He has a lot of early speed and looks one of the main chances.
3. Neufbosc (2)
Ran 2nd in this race in 2020 and finished 2nd in the Scahill last outing. Should be close at the finish.
4. Stafford’s Lad (9)
Finished 3rd in this race last year. He won the 2022 Boulder Cup and the 2022 Kalgoorlie Cup before not travelling well in the Luckgray Stakes. Did his best work late when 6.5 lengths 9th in the Scahill Cup. Not the worst.
5. Alaskan God (11)
On a seven day back-up after being less than 3 lengths from the winner in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes. Has won 5 of his 9 races, including the Group 2 WATC Derby. Looks well suited here and should be in the finish.
6. Black Shadow (8)
Won this race last year. Ran 4th in the Scahill Cup last start and generally goes well third-up. Rough chance.
7. Utgard Loki (7)
Ran 3rd in this race in 2020. Hasn’t threatened in three starts this campaign. Prefer others.
8. Cockney Crew (5)
Unplaced in all four runs this campaign. Looking elsewhere.
9. Come Right Back (6)
This looks too strong.
10. Divine Shadow (1)
Looking to others.
11. Lady Chant (4)
Has struggled so far this campaign. Prefer others.
12. Pure Devotion (3))
He had good closing splits when 6th in the Scahill Cup. One of the chances.
G.A. Towton Cup 2022 Tips
The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.
Jo’s Tips
|
||
5 Alaskan God | ||
2 Buster Bash | ||
3 Neufbosc | ||
12 Pure Devotion |
Previews for other races this week
Listed Brisbane Handicap 2022 (Doomben 1640m) – Friday
Group 2 The Ingham 2022 (Randwick 1600m)
Listed Christmas Cup 2022 (Randwick 2400m)
Listed Razor Sharp Handicap 2022 (Randwick 1200m)
Rest. Listed Inglis Nursery 2022 (Randwick 1000m)
Listed Christmas Handicap 2022 (Morphettville 1200m)
Group 3 The Gold Rush 2022 (Ascot 1400m)
Listed Bribie Handicap 2002 (Eagle Farm 1000m)
Listed Calaway Gal 2002 (Eagle Farm 1000m)
Listed Phelan Ready 2002 (Eagle Farm 1000m)
Listed Just Now 2002 (Eagle Farm 1300m)
2022 G.A. Towton Cup Results
Result | Horse | Margin |
1st | 2 Buster Bash | |
2nd | 8 Cockney Crew | 3.23 lengths |
3rd | 3 Neufbosc | 3.71 lengths |
4th | 5 Alaskan God | 3.83 lengths |
The track was rated as Good 4.
There were no scratchings.