Early look at the 2011 Sydney Cup

Adam Page gives us his brief preview for Saturday’s Sydney Cup at Randwick racecourse, view his full race preview and selections.

Form Guide

C’est La Guerre is the $6 favourite ahead of his stablemate Mourayan at $7 along with 2010 AJC Oaks winner Once Were Wild. Hawk Island, who was impressive last Saturday, is $8.

I want to be on a horse that will stay all day. A horse that fits that equation is Strike One. He was wide throughout in the Chairmans and was gone at the 1000m before he picked up the bit and hit the line strongly to finish sixth. He has plenty of upside and is on the limit for Chris Waller and in form rider Tim Clark. He’ll go to sleep from the great barrier and looks great value at $21 and $6 for the place.

Mourayan was enormous in the BMW. He was ridden superbly by Michael Rodd, when he controlled the race from the mile marker, then sprinted hard at the 800m and looked to have the race won before being grabbed by Cedaberg. He’ll get the run of the race here and looks a strong hope. He has placed at the distance and doesn’t mind some give in the ground.

Tinseltown caught the eye in the Chairmans when racing well back before hitting the line well to finish seventh. Four attempts at 3200m for no placings is a worry but Michael Moroney is a very good trainer of stayers and I wouldn’t rule this bloke out because he can cause a surprise with the right run.

Macedonian might be the value runner. He ran a mighty race in the Adelaide Cup after sitting wide throughout and in the end was only beaten three quarters of a length. He has been given time to get over that run and that is definitely an advantage. Has a good record at the two miles and is drawn to get a soft run. Peter Moody is having a good run at the moment and this horse can certainly win.

Strike One at a price to win, from Mourayan, Tinseltown and Macedonian.

Written by Adam Page