David vs Goliath battle in Premier’s Cup

A trio of underdogs will aim to upset NSW’s power stables in the Listed Premier’s Cup.

Jim Litt’s small family operation trains Song And Laughter, a $21 hope.

Former rodeo rider Shannon Fry is confident Sofin, one of two horses in his Bowraville stable, has a winning chance at $26.

Rank outsider Loud Debate is $101. The Paul Cave-trained six-year-old is coming off five unplaced efforts this preparation.

They are pitted against premier Sydney trainer Chris Waller, who has Loophole, Sacred Master and Junoob entered, and Godolphin’s Group One winner Magic Hurricane and last-start winner Allergic.

Kris Lees, the state’s most winning trainer based outside of Sydney, has Newcastle Cup-bound import Singing and Sense Of Occasion both having their second runs for the stable.

And James Cummings is confident Ruling Dynasty will thrive stepping up from 1400 to 1900 metres.

Allergic is the $3.20 favourite to win the Premier’s Cup after an easy win in the Prelude at Rosehill on August 13.

“His win second-up was fairly soft in the end,” Godolphin trainer John O’Shea said.

“He got into a nice spot, he showed a nice turn of foot and he’s drawn to get a good run again.”

His stablemate Magic Hurricane won the race last year but carries seven extra kilograms after his Group One Metropolitan Handicap victory in the same preparation.

“He’s trimmed up and he’s in the right shape for a horse who has a long spring ahead of him,” O’Shea said.

Waller said the race was well within Loophole’s reach.

“He’s a very consistent horse one step away from the Group horses,” Waller said.

He said he was doubtful Junoob would start on a heavy track and has some concerns about running Sacred Master on a very wet surface as he heads towards the Group Three Newcastle Cup.

“Sacred Master is probably looking for a bit further than 1900 metres so as long as he’s steadily building into the race we’ll be happy,” Waller said.

Singing is $4.20 second favourite after he was defeated by Song And Laughter on a heavy track at Canterbury at his first Australian start.

Photo credit: essentialtennis.com