Capital Commander will carry the weight of expectation when she lines up to go one better than last year in Friday’s Snake Gully Cup at Gundagai.
The mare is part-owned in Gundagai by Don Tuckwell, while fellow part-owners, the Hambrook family, also have close ties to Gundagai.
Twelve months ago, Capital Commander finished second to Viva Las carrying 53kg and this time will head the weights with 58kg.
One of her earlier career wins also came at Gundagai and after drawing well in gate six, trainer Nick Olive is hoping for the best.
“She just needed to draw well and she has so that will allow her to be right in the race from the outset,” Olive said.
“She is probably going better than last year even though she hasn’t won this time in.
“Her last two runs have been very good, she was only beaten a nose in a Listed race at Randwick last run.”
Olive has extra reason to hope the race pans out for his mare.
The trainer turns 40 on Saturday and will have members of his family and friends in attendance on Cup day.
“It’s one of the country races I would really like to win,” he said.
“I have had a few starters before and ran second last year so hopefully it works out.
“It takes a good horse to win it as has been shown over the years.”
Capital Commander has done everything asked of her since her last run and will have the services of top jockey Brendan Ward.
