A strong field has been assembled for the Penola Cup (1600m) this Sunday, with the depth looking quite strong.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2025 Penola Cup.
2025 Penola Cup Runner Preview:
1. Shiny Rock: Has had two runs back, both at Non TAB meetings. I think he’s getting ready for Port Augusta, so he goes through to the keeper.
2. Texan Windstorm: 1600m has to be the query with him given he ran last of five over this trip in town last time. If this was 1400m, he’d be on top, but just think 1600m is a bridge too far for him. He can win, but I won’t be betting.
3. Goliotus: I think he is one of two each way bets I can entertain. He was second up in the Mount Gambier Cup and just got too keen in the run after doing early work. Third up, hard fit and back in trip, I think he’s a big improver.
4. Imposing Suspect: Comes back to the mile after racing in the Mount Gambier Cup where he was back off the speed and held up at times but was solid late without much luck. Not sure he wins but a first four threat.
5. Royal Fox: Royal Fox is racing like a rise to 1600m will suit. He ran behind Sparkup a few weeks back. He was off speed and just took a little while to wind up but was solid enough late in the piece. Up in trip I like and can be ridden with more intent.
6. West Cliff: He’s the other each way bet. He has won his past two, the latest at Donald when on speed and credit to him, he was there to be beaten but he found under pressure to fend them off. Tricky draw, but I reckon with positive tactics, he takes beating.
7. Any Luck: Been up forever it seems like but gee she is racing well. Ran third last week in the Terang Cup but 2150m back to the mile in a week is a tricky set up for me. I can’t have her as a winning threat.
8. Wild Willy: He does save his best for Penola and brings metro form, gets Blinkers on…just not sure he’s going well enough to threaten.
9. Bolt By: Ambulance has beat him home in both runs back and suspect something similar eventuates.
10. Dr Dee Dee: Got too far back in the Mount Gambier Cup but didn’t mind the way he finished his race off. Back in trip I don’t mind and he will be strong late. First four contender.
11. The Last Dance: Has won his past two at Port Lincoln but this is much harder.
12. Cork Harbour: Didn’t do a bad job on speed at Morphettville Parks last time out and will give a good sight. Just not sure he has the quality to see it through.
13. Cowley’s Creek (First Emergency): Eligible for easier.
14. Flying Assassin (Second Emergency): Was good late first up and is in for a good prep. But not for me here.
2025 Penola Cup $100 Betting Strategy:
$10 Win / $40 Place on Goliotus and West Cliff.
Penola Cup Odds
2025 Penola Cup Speed Map
I can’t see much early pressure here. Texan Windstorm looks the front runner but may have pressure with Goliotus and Cork Harbour pressing, the latter being a dual acceptor. Shiny Rock could slide forward from the wide gate.
