Country Cup racing continues at Muswellbrook this Friday for the Muswellbrook Cup (1500m), with the race carrying Big Dance eligibility.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2025 Muswellbrook Cup.
2025 Muswellbrook Cup Runner Preview:
1. West Of Africa: if he runs here and not the Doncaster Prelude, he’s clearly the one to beat. He’s got a booming finish on him but his racing pattern is a shocker, as seen in the Ajax where he just got too far back in a slowly run race but was good late in the piece. If he can settle closer, be within range, he’ll take a power of beating.
2. Berkshire Shadow: Blinkers go back on but he was plain at Canberra I thought and for mine, he’s very much overrated. Plus is drawn quite wide.
3. Ducasse: SCR
4. Grebeni: Good horse but has drawn very wide and looks better suited in the Doncaster Prelude so I say he runs there, not here. But, if he does run here, he’s in the mix because he does have talent.
5. Williamsburg: First proper prep for Cav after formerly being with Ryan/Alexiou. His absolute best is good enough, but I prefer to watch.
6. Bold Mac: Sneaky flying this guy. Real eye catcher in the same race that Berkshire Shadow contested, getting badly held up late when full of running. He’ll spot them a start and be strong late.
7. Sibaaq: Didn’t do a bad job fresh at Rosehill behind Ducasse but I thought he had every chance there. Blinkers back on, will press forward, but not for me.
8. Jimi Hendrix: Good horse when right but he’s better suited over further and for mine, he’s not here to play.
9. Glory Daze: He was terrible in two runs last prep and his trial work hasn’t been anything to jump up and down about.
10. Flying Trapeze: He was comfortably held in the All Star Mile but was far from disgraced. Better suited at this level…a knockout chance if there is petrol left in the tank.
11. Les Vampires: Les Vampires can keep winning after his victory two weeks ago at Rosehill. getting a beaut run in transit just off the speed before knuckling down with purpose late to win and win well. He’s got room for upside/improvement, he takes beating.
12. Lavish Empire: Didn’t do a bad job at Canberra last time but for me, he’s a Goldilocks horse in the sense that he needs everything to fall into place. Pass.
13. Osman: Was on speed last Saturday at Eagle Farm and battled away really well in defeat. Harder here, but with his racing style, he could pinch first four at a price.
14. Promitto: Promitto hasn’t won in a long time but with his racing style now of going forward, he’s going to run a very positive race. He attempted to lead throughout in the Midway a few weeks back and gave a strong kick from the front but couldn’t quite see it through, nabbed late. Good racing style, he will run a positive race.
15. Cinque Torri (First Emergency): Attempted to lead throughout in the Les Vampires race and did well but just tired late. Harder here and think he’ll struggle to measure up.
16. Dances With Hooves (Second Emergency): Ripping run last week in the CC Qualifier at Scone. Flying, but not here.
17. Black Duke (Third Emergency): Not measuring up.
18. Invasive Dreams (Fourth Emergency): Racing well but needs it easier.
19. Your Temptation (Fifth Emergency): Looks to be in for a good prep but not here.
20. Seething (Sixth Emergency): Better suited at Taree.
2025 Muswellbrook Cup $100 Betting Strategy:
$50 Win West Of Africa and Les Vampires.
2025 Muswellbrook Cup Speed Map
Looks like there isn’t a great deal of early speed here for mine. Les Vampires was ridden with a sit last start but first up did lead so he may go forward here. Jimi Hendrix and Sibaaq can push on speed as well if they get a dig in the ribs. Berkshire Shadow is drawn wide and may press on.
