Newcastle Gold Cup – 2022

Track: Soft – Heavy Weather: Shower or two.

Nine runners have accepted for the $250,000 Group 3 Newcastle Gold Cup and there has been one early scratching. The Chris Waller stable has three runners entered for the event, whilst the rest of the trainers have just one entry each.

Mankayan has opened the early favourite in the betting at $3.50. He is yet to finish outside of the top 2 in four starts this preparation with his latest effort being a solid 0.4 length win at Moonee Valley in a Quality race.

Durston is on the second line of betting at $3.80. He had a run to forget in the Premier’s Cup before coming out and blitzing his opposition last start in the Wyong Gold Cup.

Born A King rounds out the top 3 in the betting at $3.90. This will be his hardest contest to date after placing twice in benchmark 84 company and his latest start was a win in a benchmark 78.

1. Arapaho (9)

Two runs ago he was impressive winning the Premier’s Cup before running a solid second to Cadre Du Noir in the Tattersall’s Club Cup. Won over this distance prior but he has been up a while and has to carry 59kg. He handles all conditions and will no doubt run solidly again.

2. Mankayan (4)

Since coming to Australia he has finished no further back than fourth, winning four races, and placing in six races in eleven starts. His latest was a nice win at Moonee Valley and Ben Melham who rode him on the day has come to Newcastle to ride him. He will love this extra distance and the big Newcastle track.

3. Sacramento (7)

Forgive last start as he was 2/5 lame. Entered for Randwick on Saturday also. In his last three preparations he has won second up over 2000m, 1800m, and 2000m, which suggests that Randwick may be a better option, but he has drawn poorly in both. If he stays here, he should lead and be right in the finish.

4. Durston (1)

Ordinary two back before winning the Wyong Gold Cup in devastating fashion. He will relish the 2300m and drawn to get a brilliant run throughout. I don’t see any reason that he can’t run well.

5. Attorney (3)

Been a while between drinks for him and could stay all day, but looks outclassed here.

6. Carif (8)

Another who hasn’t won in some time. He will love the extra distance but I can’t see him winning.

7. Through Irish Eyes (6)

SCRATCHED

8. Yiyi (2)

Ran a solid race in the Premier’s Cup and then they sent him to the Wyong Gold Cup, where he ran second to Durston by 1.8 lengths. He meets him 1.5kg better today and he gives the indication that 2300m should be okay. Place chance.

9. Born A King (5)

Placed in a benchmark 84 before coming back in grade and saluting by almost 5 lengths in a benchmark 78. This is a lot harder but you can never underestimate the stable.

The following are the top 4 selections for this year’s race.

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
4 Durston	2 Mankayan
2 Mankayan	4 Durston
8 Yiyi	9 Born A King
3 Sacramento	8 Yiyi

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	4 Durston
2nd	6 Carif	3.48 lengths
3rd	1 Arapaho	3.49 lengths
4th	3 Sacramento	6.49 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 7.

Scratchings: 5. Attorney, 7. Through Irish Eyes.