The feature race at Port Lincoln on Friday is the Port Lincoln Cup (1950m), where the race looks one with decent depth for the 2026 edition.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2026 Port Lincoln Cup.
2026 Port Lincoln Cup Runner Preview:
1. Ichibansan: Dominant win in the Lock Cup and has run well here previously but I have others ahead of him.
2. Excelman: Great record in this race and at this track/distance but he was poor at Lock and can’t see him threatening.
3. I’m A Dexstar: Arguably should have won this race last year but had zero luck in the run. Recent runs have been sound, he commands respect.
4. Kokoro: Total forgive in town last time. Maps better, jumps sharply in trip and you’d assume has been set for this race. He’s a market watch.
5. Magarten: SCR
6. Burning Bright: Jumps sharply in trip and was good first up but last time, she was terrible I thought. I can’t entertain her.
7. Vintage Kod: Been kept on ice with this race in mind. Plain at this track/distance last start, on Jan 11, and off that, he’s not for me here.
8. I Need A Drink: Won this race last year and used a run in town as a lead up, outclassed behind Streetcar Apollo. He’ll run very well I say.
9. Savatoff: SCR
10. Super Valentine: Loved the way he let down to win over 1750m here last time. Has that sense of timing, trip no issue and maps to get a sweet sit in transit. Knockout hope.
11. Toorak Blaze: Will need luck from the gate but was a real eye catcher last start in town and if he can get a drag into the race, he’s dangerous against these.
12. Jamrock: Just fair at Lock, this looks too hard for him.
13. Talent Scout: Very interesting runner. First run for the new stable after being with Team McEvoy. If he brings his best, he goes close, but I am happy to watch because he was terrible last start.
14. Tyusix: Flying this mare and am quite keen on her chances. Very good in town last Saturday when narrowly beaten by the in form Somewhere Soon. Needs luck, but in form and will be quite strong at the end.
15. Just A Brother (First Emergency): Big, big win last start at Strathalbyn, making a sustained run from off speed and finished best to score. Maps to do no work, he’s right in the mix.
16. Belmont Avenue (Second Emergency): SCR
17. Spangled Slipper (Third Emergency): Looks outclassed.
18. Zain Prince (Fourth Emergency): Not up to these.
2026 Port Lincoln Cup $100 Betting Strategy:
$50 E/W Tyusix Tote/SP
Port Lincoln Cup Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ICHIBANSAN | Kylie Mckerlie | Ms Anna Jordsjo | 11 | 60kg |
| 2 | EXCELMAN (NZ) | Kylie Mckerlie | Ms Sophie Potter (a2/55kg) | 5 | 59.5kg |
| 3 | I’M A DEXSTAR | Byron J Cozamanis | Campbell Rawiller | 3 | 59kg |
| 4 | KOKORO | John Dunn & Krystal Bishop | Ms Alysha Warren (a2/53kg) | 2 | 59kg |
| 6 | BURNING BRIGHT | Andrew Gluyas | Ms Taylor Johnstone (a0/53kg) | 7 | 58.5kg |
| 7 | VINTAGE KOD (IRE) | Garret Lynch | Connor Murtagh | 13 | 58kg |
| 8 | I NEED A DRINK | John Dunn & Krystal Bishop | Ms Rochelle Milnes | 6 | 57kg |
| 10 | SUPER VALENTINE | John Dunn & Krystal Bishop | 1 | 55kg | |
| 11 | TOORAK BLAZE | Brent Hull | Ms Kayla Crowther | 15 | 55kg |
| 12 | JAMROCK | Kylie Mckerlie | Sairyn Fawke | 14 | 54.5kg |
| 13 | TALENT SCOUT | Byron J Cozamanis | Ms Teagan Voorham | 17 | 54.5kg |
| 14 | TYUSIX | Ron Daniel & Trish Stanbury | 10 | 54kg | |
| 15e | JUST A BROTHER | Shayne & Chelsea Cahill | Ms Brooke King (a2/50.5kg) | 4 | 54.5kg |
| 16e | BELMONT AVENUE (IRE) | John Dunn & Krystal Bishop | 9 | 54.5kg | |
| 17e | SPANGLED SIPPER | Kristy Oyarzun | Dylan Caboche | 12 | 54kg |
| 18e | ZAIN PRINCE | Garret Lynch | 16 | 54kg |
Port Lincoln Cup Odds
2026 Port Lincoln Cup Speed Map
Think Talent Scout can come across from out wide and lead. Burning Bright, I Need A Drink and Ichibansan should press forward as well, generating a decent tempo and a truly run contest.
