G.A. Towton Cup – 2022

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.

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.

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