He may be the rank outsider in betting, but the Peter Moody-trained Mr Charlie adds a touch of intrigue to Saturday’s Group 1 Dubai Australian Cup (2000m).
While the former Kiwi looks outclassed on paper, he has a number of credentials which could see him play a part on Saturday.
First up last preparation, he stormed home from near the tail of the field to beat a quality field over 1700m.
Left in his wake that day were the likes of Easter Cup winner Fanjura, Geelong Cup and Sandown Classic placegetter Exceptionally, Caulfield Cup runner up Harris Tweed, Adelaide Cup winner Capecover and Perth Cup winner Cats Fun.
Most notably, he beat home Saturday’s rival Cedarberg by 6.6L, with each horse carrying 53kg.
Cedarberg is rated a $17 chance, while Mr Charlie is $81.
At his next start, in the Naturalism Stakes at Caulfield, Mr Charlie finished fifth, only 1.2L behind the winner Rainbow Styling.
He was only 0.7L behind Moudre, who is the $5.50 second favourite for the Australian Cup.
The race has been capable of producing an upset, including two of the most notable upsets in history.
In 1988, the Australian Cup was billed as a match race between reigning champion Bonecrusher and bold frontrunner Vo Rogue. It was billed at the time as the “race of the decade” with free to air networks cutting into normal programming to show the race.
The party was spoiled when 125-1 outsider Dandy Andy came with a big run to win comfortably.
Nine years earlier, Dulcify started at $81 when he defeated Manikato by a length.
With champion trainer Peter Moody on his side, perhaps Mr Charlie can join these illustrious names and win the Australian Cup at a big price.
Written by Andrew Hawkins
