The feature race at Doomben this Saturday is the Doomben Cup (2000m), which has attracted a small but class field.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for 2026 Doomben Cup.
2026 Doomben Cup Runner Preview:
1. Half Yours: There is starting to be enough body of work, for me, to say he’s not a WFA horse. I thought he was seriously flattered with his finale in the All Aged and then in the Hollindale, he was never a factor. For me, Q22 is his go, but even then, he’d be a risk, and I am saying he’s a big risk here.
2. Vauban: I love what GaiBott have done with him this prep. Two runs in the Autumn, leave petrol in the tank to have a Winter prep, two runs, then likely spell up here with the Cups in mind. He’s flying and commands respect.
3. Asterix: Uncle Chris has him absolutely humming…but surely not for this level.
4. Birdman: Birdman will want this track to dry right out because he is dry or bust. He found the dry deck in the Hollindale and worked home strongly from off speed when second to Pride Of Jenni. If there is petrol left in the tank, he’ll take beating.
5. Kovalica: Kovalica was the sneaky good run in the Hollindale. Back last, was never a winning threat, but did make up ground and was pretty good to/through the line. He’ll eat up 2000m here…maybe has eyes on The Q22 instead, but here, he could pinch first four.
6. Pride Of Jenni: I pretty much said in the speed map what I think her chances are. She is going to set up a big lead…will she hold on? She did in the Hollindale…can she do it again? Time will tell.
7. She’s A Hustler: She’s A Hustler looks to be humming for Beggy. Ran a super race first up in the Queen Of The Turf before going to the Hollindale where she was one of those near the front of the chasing pack behind Pride Of Jenni and battled on really well in defeat. Hard fit, handles all conditions and will love getting to 2000m.
2026 Doomben Cup $100 Betting Strategy:
$20 Win/$80 Place She’s A Hustler
Group l Strategy Outlay: $6800
Group l Strategy Return: $4927
Doomben Cup Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HALF YOURS | Tony & Calvin McEvoy | Ms Jamie Melham | 7 | 59kg |
| 2 | VAUBAN (FR) | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Tim Clark | 6 | 59kg |
| 3 | ASTERIX (NZ) | Chris Waller | Jason Collett | 2 | 59kg |
| 4 | BIRDMAN (IRE) | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 5 | 59kg |
| 5 | KOVALICA (NZ) | Chris Waller | Ryan Maloney | 1 | 59kg |
| 6 | PRIDE OF JENNI | Ciaron Maher | Declan Bates | 4 | 57kg |
| 7 | SHE’S A HUSTLER (NZ) | Grahame Begg | Jordan Childs | 3 | 57kg |
Doomben Cup Odds
2026 Doomben Cup Speed Map
Pride Of Jenni will lead by double digits at some stage…will she stop? That’s all you can see re speed map.