Pakenham Cup – 2021

Track: Good Weather: Fine

There are fourteen acceptors for the $300,000 Listed Pakenham Cup.  Five of them had their last start in the Ballarat Cup on November 20, four met at Flemington over 2800m, two ran in a benchmark 84 at Cranbourne and two others have been freshened since a run in the Bendigo Cup.  The Matt Cumani and Ciaron Maher & David Eustace stables both have two runners entered.  One of the Maher & Eustace runners is Smokin’ Romans and he is the current favourite for the race.  He will be ridden by the returning Jamie Kah and was a good second in the Bendigo Cup at his last start.  Next in the betting is Team Captain.  He was a dominant winner over 2800m last start.

Mankayan broke a string of placings with a win over this distance on Cranbourne Cup Day.  Mimi’s Award is ready for this distance now and has finished in the top two placings at her three previous Pakenham starts.  Skyman is very consistent.  In A Twinkling is backing up for the third consecutive week, while Flash Aah wasn’t beaten far in the Zipping Classic last week.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Future Score

Future Score has been given a six week freshen up since finishing sixth in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup on October 23.  He is really struggling to find his best form at the moment.  Therefor we have to be against him here.

2. In A Twinkling

Worked home well in the Cranbourne Cup first up, then wasn’t all that far away in the Ballarat Cup last start over 2000m.  Fitter again here.  Roughie with a chance.

3. Good Idea

This gelding won the Group 2 Adelaide Cup over 3200m earlier in the year.  He boxed on fairly well behind Team Captain at Flemington last start and has trilled up well in between runs.  Rough hope from the good draw, on his home track with Damian Lane booked to ride.

4. Mosh Music

Has nine wins from twenty three starts and is a talented mare on her day.  However she hasn’t been at her best this preparation.  Was seventh in the Bendigo Cup at her last start.  Needs to improve!

5. Skyman

Has been racing really well with out winning this prep.  Latest, was sixth beaten less than a length and a half in the Ballarat Cup.  In the mix again here.

6. Mankayan

Ended a string of placings with a good win in the 2550m benchmark 84 on Cranbourne Cup Day.  Up in grade here but is drawn well and has McNeil in the saddle.  The firmer ground won’t cause him any issues.  One of the chances.

7. Pappalino

Another who comes via the Ballarat Cup.  Ran home okay in that race.  Fitter again here.  Has talent.  Wouldn’t surprise to see him run a race.

8. Smokin’ Romans

Second of the Maher & Eustace gallopers.  Gets the returning Jamie Kah in the saddle for this.  He was a narrow second in the Bendigo Cup at his last start where he was strong late.  Now third up with the blinkers going back on.  Rates highly.

9. Flash Ahh

Queenslander on the quick back up after running in the Zipping Classic last week.  Beaten less than two lengths there after getting back in a slowly run race.  Is much better suited here under handicap conditions.  Each way claims.

10. Team Captain

This six year old gelding has gone to a new level since joining the Matt Cumani stable two runs ago.  He was a strong winner of the Hamilton Cup, then bolted in over 2800m in benchmark 96 grade during the Flemington carnival.  Should get an economical run from barrier four for the inform Blaike McDougall.  Major player.

11. Long Arm

Lightly raced six year old trained by Peter Gelagotis.  He comes via the same race as Team Captain.  He finished off okay in that after getting a long way back in the run.  Place chance.

12. Think We’re Due

Has five wins and three placings from thirty two trips to the races.  Lead them up last start and weakened out.  Was second in the Horsham Cup at his start prior.  Needs to improve to feature here.

13. Constantinople

Back onto firmer footing suits but it has been a long time since he has run into the placings.  Can’t recommend.

14. Mimi’s Award

Four year old mare who didn’t have the best of luck in benchmark 84 grade last start.  Was okay in the Matriarch Stakes prior.  Gets Brett Prebble but is poorly weighted.  Place chance at best for me.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
8. Smokin’ Romans	8. Smokin’ Romans
6. Mankayan	10. Team Captain
10. Team Captain	2. In A Twinkling
5. Skyman	9. Flash Aah

Group 1 Kingstown Town Classic 2021 (Ascot 1800m)