Kilmore Cup – 2020

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

A capacity field of 14 runners plus three emergencies have accepted for this years Kilmore Cup. The inform Power Scheme has been installed as an early favourite.  He is backing up after a narrow defeat at group level in the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown last week.  Tavidance was luckless in his first run back from a short break.  Before his break he won a race by six lengths at Flemington.  It has been a long time since Pancho won but he has the talent to be winning a race of this nature.

Beehunter has mixed his form this preparation but wasn’t far away from race favourite Power Scheme last start.  Holbien is third up from a spell and ran well down the straight last start.  Polanco has won two of his last three starts.  Sikorsky has been below his best this preparation but the Hayes Dabernig camp is on fire and will be looking to turn his form around.  Delectation Girl is now with trainer Matt Cumani and her first up run was encouraging.  The remaining runners are $20-1 or longer.

1. Haripour

Well held in both starts this preparation.  Looking elsewhere.

2. Coming Around – SCRATCHED

3. Power Scheme

Power Scheme was scratched from the Ballarat Cup to be saved for this.  He has progressed well through the grades this preparation and looks set to run well here again.

4. Delectation Girl

Liked her run on resumption for new trainer Matt Cumani who is flying.  She will take good improvement from that run and will be suited by the step up in distance.  Has an each way chance.

5. Holbien

Finished off well second up down the straight at Flemington.  The step from 1200m to 1600m is the concern.

6. Pancho

It has been a long time since Pancho won but has the talent  to be winning this.  The booking of Craig Williams is a positive.

7. Polanco

Polanco has won two of his last three in easier company.  This is a step up but he is racing well.

8. Black Sail

On the quick back up after winning a benchmark 78 at Geelong last week.  This is tougher but he is well set up third up with Damian Lane booked.

9. Magna Bella

Found the lead and won well in Adelaide last start.  Drawn to get a soft run on the fence for Michael Poy.

10. Tavidance

Progressive type who bolted in at Flemington in August.  He then had a break and was luckless resuming during the Flemington Carnival.  Up to 1600m looks ideal and he is one the main chances.

11. The Closer

Jockey Ben Allan is in form but this looks too tough for this horse.

12. Rainbow Thief

Not beaten far at his last two starts.  One for the multiples.

13. Sentimentalist

Disappointed after starting favourite in the Ararat Cup.  Looking elsewhere.

14. Sikrosky

Has talent but has been plain in both starts this time in.  Can’t recommend at current odds.

15. Beehunter

Boom horse who has mixed his form this preparation.  Barrier 16 makes things tough.

16.  Mrs Beckham

Won well at Bendigo two starts ago – that was against easier company.  Found the step up to Group level too tough last week.   Think she will struggle again here.

17. Denero – SCRATCHED

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
3. Power Scheme	10. Tavidance
10. Tavidance	4. Delectation Girl
6. Pancho	3. Power Scheme
7. Polanco	6. Pancho

The track was rated as Good 4

Scratchings were 2. Coming Around, 13. Sentimentalist, 15e. Beehunter, 16e. Mrs Beckham (NZL), 17e. Denero.

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	6. Pancho
2nd	10. Tavidance	0.8 length
3rd	8. Black Sail	1 length
4th	9. Magna Bella	2.2 lengths