Pat Carbery says he won’t be doing anything differently as he plots Cup Night’s path in Saturday’s Group 3 Roma Cup (1200m) at Ascot.
Carbery plans on replicating Cup Night’s outstanding Northam Stakes (1100m) victory when the ace jockey produced a classic ride on the gun gelding.
Snagged back to last from barrier 11, Carbery came with a well-timed run to get Cup Night off the fence and into the clear passing the 200m.
Carbery did his work and Cup Night completed the rest, sprinting powerfully in the straight to knock over Rock Magic and Money Matters and land his biggest race scalp.
Cup Night will jump from barrier 12 in the Roma Cup and Carbery, who won last year’s race aboard Vega Magic, says he’ll be in the back half of the field.
“The draw isn’t a concern as he will go back anyway,” Carbery told The Races WA.
“He proved that successfully in the Northam Stakes.
“I feel he is far better being left alone and ridden patiently.
“Last preparation I tried to hold a spot with him and I think he resented it.
“I’m not sure they will go as hard in the Roma Cup, but he’ll be ridden with patience.
“His work on Tuesday tells me he is a happy and contented horse.
“He is exactly where Bernie (Miller) wants him to be.
“He’s going well.”
The Bernie Miller-trained Cup Night has trimmed to $5 with Tabtouch after the scratching of Windstorm.
He’s on the second line of betting behind Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) hero Elite Street. ($3.80).
“It’s going to be a very good race with a few new ones, but I’m not too worried about the opposition.
“I know I have a horse that is happy and that’s what I want before a big race.”
Before the Roma Cup, Carbery aims to extend his successful combination with Panzdown and Time Scale.
Panzdown, unbeaten this campaign, is after four wins on the trot in the Something Pink Kalgoorlie Handicap (1000m).
At his previous start Panzdown was slow into stride and lumped 60kg, but fought on strongly to win by a half-length.
“He’s in the right frame of mind and racing with confidence,” Carbery said.
“I think he will be ok again and Simon’s (Miller) team are going well.”
Panzdown has drawn barrier two. The gelding is a $4.20 chance. Acromantula holds $3 favoritism.
Timescale won two starts back and is on the quick turnaround after placing third behind Divine Pair on a heavy track last week.
To jump from gate two, Time Scale tackles the World Class Breast Cancer Research Handicap (1100m).
“The track might not have suited her last time,” Carbery said.
“But the blinkers are a plus and she’s always shown potential.”
