Wyong Gold Cup – 2020

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There is a field of 13 runners for the $160,000 Wyong Cup and only one is from the stable of a Wyong trainer. Four of them had their last start in the Premier’s Cup Prelude on 15 August, two had their last start in the Listed Rowley Mile at Hawkesbury on 20 August and one had their last start in the Group 3 Premier’s Cup on 29 August. The early favourite is Attention Run who was narrowly beaten last start when favourite in the Premier’s Cup Prelude over 1800m on a heavy track at Randwick. Second favourite is Savacool, one of three runners for Chris Waller, who won the Rowley Mile before finishing 6th in the Premier’s Cup where he only got clear late. Third favourite is  topweight Raheen House who resumed after 18 weeks for 5th in the Premier’s Cup Prelude and is up in weight from that run.

Kiss The Bride has won his last two races at Randwick (1800m then 2400m) and has drawn the inside barrier.  The Lord Mayor has placed twice from seven runs this campaign, including a close 2nd in the Grafton Cup over 2350m, and drops in weight. Big Duke has been unplaced in all four runs this preparation but finished strongly to finish 4th in the Premier’s Cup Prelude last start. Toryjoy was run down late to finish 4th in the Rowley Mile but was less than a length from the winner. Hush Writer was 2nd in this race last year and resumes from a 20 week spell but has had multiple trials. All other runners are currently 25 to 1 or longer.

1. Raheen House

A good stayer who won the Group 2 Chairmans Quality Handicap over 2600m then was 3rd in the Group 1 Sydney Cup over 3200m back in April. He resumed from an 18 week spell for 4.1 lengths 5th in the Premier’s Cup Prelude over 1800m on a heavy track at Randwick on 15 August. Should improve from that run.

2. Hush Writer

Ran second in this race last year. He resumes after a 20 week spell and has had multiples trials. Rough chance.

3. Big Duke

Unplaced in all four runs this preparation but had the best overall race sectionals when 2.4 lengths 4th in the Premier’s Cup Prelude. Capable of a place.

4. The Lord Mayor

He ran 2nd in the Grafton Cup over 2350m in July then ran on steadily from well back for 2.25 lengths 5th over 1600m at Eagle Farm on 15 August where he needed more ground. He has drawn barrier 2 and is good enough to make his presence felt.

5. Savacool

This Savabeel mare won the Rowley Mile at Hawkesbury then finished 3.8 lengths 6th in the Group 3 Premier’s Cup over 1900m after being bumped and only getting clear late. She had the best 800m-400m sectionals and she is one of the main chances.

6. Attention Run

Last start she was narrowly beaten when favourite in the Premier’s Cup Prelude over 1800m. She can finish strongly and should be one of the contenders.

7. Zacada

He faded to finish nine lengths off the winner last start in the Premier’s Cup Prelude at Randwick on a heavy track. He drops in weight from that run but hasn’t shown much in his recent racing.

8. Toryjoy

He hasn’t been far away in recent races with a 3rd, 2nd and a 4th at his last three starts. He has the speed to overcome drawing the widest barrier and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he placed.

9. Paths Of Glory

This grey won by a length at $31 over 1800m on a heavy track at Kensington on 18 July. That was a major form turnaround from her previous two starts where she finished near the tail of the field, Rough chance.

10. Costello

Last campaign he had two wins and four places from six starts, but he resumed after 14 weeks for 3.1 lengths 7th over 1400m at Randwick on 22 August. Not fancied here.

11. Kiss the Bride

Won by 0.3 length over 1800m at Randwick on 1 August then won by 0.5 length over 2400m at Randwick on 22 August. Winning form is good form and he can make his presence felt.

12. Spencer

He has won at this track and he looked ready for more ground when a close 3rd in the Rowley Mile last start. Not the worst.

13. Jazzland

The locally-trained gelding from the Kristen Buchanan stable has won four races at this track, and two of them were over this distance. His last run was 3rd in the 2000m Taree Cup on 23 August. He’s a good horse and it would be lovely to see him in the finish.

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

Jo’s Tips
5 Savacool
6 Attention Run
11 Kiss the Bride
4 The Lord Mayor

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings were 3. Big Duke, 8. Toryjoy.

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	9. Paths Of Glory
2nd	4. The Lord Mayor	0.2 length
3rd	2. Hush Writer	9.4 length
4th	5. Savacool	0.7 length