3 minute read

Tonight's Gold Cup Final at Albion Park over the 710 metres looks on paper to be an extremely open final. The field has a real interstate mix with the winner looking to add Group Three success to the resume and a mouth watering $100,000 first prize.

Last weeks heats provided some interesting contest as qualifying for the final became a premium. Jack Strutt came up the highway from New South Wales along with Michael Hardman. Victoria was also well represented with Jeff Britton appearing with a two prong attack with Mepunga Ruby and Korda. 

Heat One went to Mepunga Ruby in 41.95 jumping from box 6. The talented bitch chased Oh Oh Range all the way and in the run to the line was too good for her rivals. The unlucky runner appeared to be Stagger Out Lee who once again suffered an interupted passage in running and gave them too big a start. 

Heat Two seen the cane toads stand up and be counted as the Selena Zammit trained Superman Keeping won in 42.08 after settling midfield in running. It was a Queensland quinella as Pocket Money for Keith Snow held on for second after leading most of the way before relenting to Superman Keeping in the straight. 

The heats sprung a few surprises as favoured runners Ritza Piper for Joseph Scerri and Zipping Whisky for Michael Hardman failed to qualify for the final running 6th respectively in both heats. Ritza Piper was slowly away when the boxes opened and was a shadow of herself after pinging the boxes and being prominent to win the Group two Summer Distance Plate just two weeks ago. 

The box draw for the final is interesting and what happens when the boxes open could seal the fate of many of the runners. Mepunga Ruby has drawn three and is a noted front runner. Early pace is also expected from Oh Oh Range and Pocket Money. With all the early pace it may set it up for a backmarker and Stagger Out Lee and Days Of Thunder could be swooping late. 

The Gold Cup is Race 6 tonight at Albion Park. Favourite for the event with Ladbrokes fixed odds is Mepunga Ruby at $2.20. Stagger Out Lee is good value at $7 fixed as is Days Of Thunder at $5.50. Mepunga Ruby has won three of last five starts with two seconds and is a well deserved favourite for the race.