The time honoured Adelaide Cup (3200m) comes around this Monday and the field is strong in numbers, with a bit of quality at the top for this level of race.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2025 Adelaide Cup.
2025 Adelaide Cup Runner Preview:
1. Grand Pierro: There is that sense of timing about him given he’s had two runs back since the Bagot triumph. But, I did think he had his chance in the Lord Reims and is now being asked to be topweight. Not for me.
2. Promises Kept: I would pen him given he’s been a busy horse. But, the saving grace is he gets B Shinn and the man can do no wrong in the saddle at the moment. He does command a level of respect.
3. Alhambra Lad: I was keen on him in the Launceston Cup but he just got too far back in the run and spotted those in front too much head start. He’ll do no work in the run and should be strong late. One for exotics.
4. Taramansour: Taramansour looks the one from the Lord Reims into this race. He made a long sustained run from the back and drove hard, just missing out on the win in a close finish. The two miles is fine, he’ll get a beaut run in transit and take beating.
5. Gotta Go Guru: scratched
6. Hasta La War: At his best, he’s clearly the best horse in the race. But his three runs have been very plain and just cannot entertain him.
7. Silent Surrente: Thought she did a really good job on speed in the Lord Reims and as said above, I thought she was home but the photo went hte opposite way. Good racing style and will keep chipping away…just think she lacks the class.
8. Newfoundland: Got a great ride from Jamie Melham in the Torney Cup but was no match for Deakin, who would have been odds on if he lined up here. Trip is no issue, can settle handy…has to be respected.
9. Speycaster: scratched
10. Goldenstatewarrior: Was keen on him in the Lord Reims but he just whacked in the run to the line. That does leave me with doubts on him at two miles, even with the C Maher polish.
11. Highland Blaze: Highland Blaze lacks the class of some of these but one thing he does have in his corner is that he will eat up the two miles. Hasn’t raced since Feb 19 when a dominant winner over 3000m at Sandown and has been kept up to the mark with a jumps trial, so fitness is no issue, and with his racing style, he’ll run a beauty.
12. Commander Harry: Racing well but not up to these.
13. Make Us Proud: Did beat Highland Blaze at Sandown last time but this guy looks more of a jumping prospect and no real change up speed.
14. Sentimental Flame: Struggled in the Lord Reims so will struggle here.
2025 Adelaide Cup Speed Map
Newfoundland and Silent Surrente look the main two speed influences. I suspect Newfoundland is the leader. Highland Blaze will settle forward, as will Commander Harry. Promises Kept can settle handy so I suspect a genuine tempo.
2025 Adelaide Cup $100 Betting Strategy:
$50 Win/$50 Place on Highland Blaze.
