Snuck into the final Saturday of March, the Australian Cup, which was formerly run in the shadows of the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap on ‘Super Saturday’, gets an (inaugural) feature race day in 2023. The sole Group 1 race runs over 2000m and offers a substantial $3 million in prize money (doubling from 2022), contested under weight-for-age conditions for horses three years old or older.
#1 Cascadian ($3.50) is the favourite on BossBet after a late dash in last weekend’s All Star Mile to secure second behind Mr Brightside but will need to outpace #3 Mo’unga ($7.50), #4 Nonconformist ($8.00), and #9 Right You Are ($7.50) who has won five on the trot. #8 Marocchino had a howler last run but came off a solid three win streak and is worth an each way punt at $101.
Australian Cup race day will also feature the Lexus Roy Higgins (2600m) with a new prizemoney purse of $500,000, and an eagerly sought-after Golden Ticket for the winner into the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup. It’s a short field with the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott trained #10 Goldman ($2.70) looking to outclass #9 So Unusual ($4.60) with both horses in stellar recent form.
Best Bet – Flemington R5 #5 Soulcombe ($5)
Looked the next big thing when he trotted in over the course and distance in November. Has been well below par in two runs in Sydney this preparation but think getting up to 2600m with a bit of give in the track should see him return to his best. Think he can confirm his Melbourne Cup berth here.
Best Each Way – Rosehill R1 #7 Miss Einstein ($12)
On paper, it was just a midfield effort first time out in 15 months. However, it was much better than it looked and think she’ll only improve off that. Should enjoy the run of the race and think she can fly late.
Best Roughie – Flemington R7 #16 Virtuous Circle ($26)
Three-year-olds often perform above expectations in the Australian Cup and this three-year-old in particular looks the type who should be suited at the Flemington 2000m. He should enjoy every chance from gate two and think he will be strong late. It’s an open race, especially in its new spot, but this is one who could cause the upset.
Bonus – Meydan R8 #7 Equinox (SP)
Potentially the best turf horse in the world and his gallop at Meydan on Wednesday was nothing short of sensational. Expect a giant effort from him in the Dubai Sheema Classic as he cements his status as a superstar.
Head to BossBet to get in on the action and use code ‘BOSSBOOK’ when you sign up and make your first deposit. Happy punting folks.
