Back Yourself!
Sign-up and start betting with Ladbrokes in 2 minutes!
Back A Winner with Neds!
Sign-up and start betting with Neds in 2 minutes!
Daily Racing Specials!
Sign-up and bet with Australia's best new bookmaker!
#1 Ranked New Bookie
Sign-up and bet with Australia's #1 ranked new bookmaker!
Best Of The Best Odds!
Bet With Palmerbet and get Paid Top Fluc or Top Tote!
Massive Odds on All Races!
Sign-up and start betting with PlayUp in 2 minutes!
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
Set a deposit limit.
Search
 
Image: AAP
Mirage Dancer heads to the Australian Cup at Flemington on Saturday in perfect shape

Except for one blemish, the Australian Cup preparation of imported stayer Mirage Dancer has been spot-on.

Perfect trackwork, strong jump-outs, favourable weather conditions and an outstanding performance in his final lead-up have co-trainer Trent Busuttin confident going into the Group One race.

Mirage Dancer heads to the Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday in perfect shape and on the strength of a last-start closing third in the Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield.

His only black mark this campaign has been his last in the C F Orr Stakes.

Avilius ($3.60) heads the market ahead of Perth horse Regal Power ($6), last-start Blamey Stakes winner Fifty Stars ($6.50) and Group One Turnbull Stakes winner Kings Will Dream ($7).

Previously prepared by Sir Michael Stoute, Mirage Dancer was bought for the big Cups last spring and after running third at Caulfield he failed to stay the 3200m of the Melbourne Cup finishing 14th behind Vow And Declare.

Busuttin was looking forward to Mirage Dancer’s return in the Orr (1400m) at Caulfield on February 8 but was shocked to see the horse finish more than 9-1/2 lengths behind the winner Alabama Express.

While the six-year-old had been entered for the Dubai World Cup at Meydan later this month and had been inoculated for the trip, Busuttin was not using that as an excuse.

“He just put in one that was too bad to be true,” Busuttin said.

“He was absolutely flying at home and I thought he’d run big fresh.

“We couldn’t find anything so we put a line through it and decided to carry on but I said to the owners we were in real trouble if the horse didn’t run well second-up.”

Two weeks later Busuttin and and partner Natalie Young were in a much better frame on mind.

Earlier in the day they scored their first Group One win since making the move from New Zealand 3-1/2 years ago when Tagaloa won the Blue Diamond Stakes before Mirage Dancer charged home for his third placing behind Miss Siska in the Peter Young Stakes on February 22.

“He was great last start against the bias and the 2000 metres on the big track looks ideal,” Busuttin said.

“Anywhere between 2000 and 2400 metres is his go.

“Everything has gone to plan and he worked up well on Tuesday, so he’s right on target.

“Even with the rain we’ve had, Flemington will dry out and it should be ideal.”

 
*Existing customers only. 2nd Racing bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
Set a deposit limit.
Featured News

FREE BETS – Claim $1000’s in Bonus Bets at the TOP Betting Sites

We take a look at the BIGGEST and BEST Free Daily Racing Offers and Betting Promotions from Australia’s leading online...

Golden Slipper Likely Field – 2024

The biggest two-year-old race of the year will jump this Saturday in arguably one of the best fields in recent...

Former trainer handed a five-year ban for pulling stewards pants down

Former trainer Todd Balfour has been handed a five-year disqualification by Racing SA stewards after a misconduct incident at the...

Melbourne Cup champion Verry Elleegant passes away

Verry Elleegant, one of the great mares in the history of Australian racing, has died while giving birth to her...

Watch 📺 Jockey banned from all racing premises over ride

Jockey Dylan Kitts has been penalised with a disciplinary officer exclusion directive due to non-compliance with an inquiry regarding his...

Group 1 winner returns positive swab

Racing Victoria stewards are investigating a positive swab from Group 1-winning mare Prowess, the racehorse trained by Roger James and...

Alligator Blood injured, career in doubt

Cult galloper Alligator Blood may have run his last race, with trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott confirming the star galloper had...

Nikita Beriman returns to the saddle

July 1, 2023 to January 26, 2024 … that period represents the just shy of seven months that Nikita Beriman...

Australia's Best Betting Sites

New Betting Sites Australia + Top List Bookmaker Apps $$$

Betting in Australia has never been more popular thanks to a large increase in new betting Agencies and Apps available...

Top 10 – Funniest Race Horse Names

Horse racing. Known as the ‘Sport Of Kings’, an industry worth billions, a very serious business…but to some, it’s a...

Best Horse Betting Sites in Australia

Best Horse Racing Betting Apps and Betting Sites – March 2024

We take a look at the best online betting apps to bet on horse racing in Australia for the month...

Golden Slipper

The Golden Slipper is one of the biggest and most prestigious horse races in Australia. Taking place each April at...

Australian Bookmaker Reviews – Online Bookie Ratings $$

Which bookmaker should you bet with? We Review each of the leading online Australian Bookmakers and rate them in order...

 
 
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au