Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 11 runners for the  $150,000 Kalgoorlie Cup this year. There are 10 geldings and one mare with four 5YOs, four 6YOs, one 7YO and two 8YOs. Eight of them had their last start in the Boulder Cup over 2100m at Kalgoorlie on 24th September, while the other 3 came via different races. Two runners are sired by Nicconi.

The early favourite is Villeins who won the Boulder Cup by 1.7 lengths last start. Second favourite is Be Optimistic who finished 2nd in the Boulder Cup after 0.9 length 3rd in the Coolgardie Cup. Third favourite is Ground Braker who was 4th in the Boulder Cup after being overhauled in the final stride of the Coolgardie Cup to finish 2nd. Powerful was the Carnavon Cup winner last start and has only missed the trifecta once in 8 runs this campaign, while Our Norman went too hard at the front before finishing 5th in the Boulder Cup. The other runners are currently $13 or longer.

1. Utgard Loki (9)

Looked as if he was going to run a place in the Coolgardie Cup on 10th September before fading in the straight to finish 5th, then knocked-up to finish last in the Bolder Cup. Prefer others.

2. General Grant (3)

Three starts back he won over 2200m at Belmont, but has finished near the back of the field at his last 2 starts. Wait until he shows more consistency.

3. Villeins (2)

Won the Boulder Cup by 1.7 lengths last start at his first trip to Kalgoorlie and has been racing well at Belmont this campaign. Looks well suited here and is a strong chance.

4. Powerful (8)

Was the Carnavon Cup winner last start and has only missed the trifecta once in 8 runs this campaign. Brings different formlines to this race and clearly has staying ability. Chance.

5. Be Optimistic (6)

The only mare in the race this year. She finished 2nd in the Boulder Cup after 0.9 length 3rd in the Coolgardie Cup. These were her only 2 starts at this track. In the mix.

6. Ground Braker (10)

He was 4th in the Boulder Cup after being overhauled in the final stride of the Coolgardie Cup to finish 2nd. Place chance.

7. Chuck A Luck (11)

Having his first trip to Kalgoorlie. Finished worse than midfield last start over 2200m  at Belmont and gets winkers back on. Drawn the outside barrier and prefer others

8. Dancing Jack (5)

All his recent racing has been at this track. He hasn’t won beyond 1750m but put in a good staying performance to finish 3rd in the Boulder Cup. Place chance.

9. Elafella (7)

Finished 6th in the Boulder Cup where he looked to struggle in the straight, after a 2.2 length win in the Broome Cup over 2200m in August. Could surprise.

10. Our Norman (1)

Went too hard at the front before finishing 5th in the Boulder Cup. Drawn the rails. Not the worst.

11. Recalled (4)

On a seven day back-up after running 1.8 lengths 4th over 2000m at Belmont where he was held-up for the entire straight and looked to have more to offer. Looks a genuine contender.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
3 Villeins
11 Recalled
5 Be Optimistic
4 Powerful

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	5 Be Optimistic
2nd	11 Recalled	0.1 length
3rd	4 Powerful	0.38 length
4th	3 Villeins	2.1 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

There were no scratchings.