Tattersalls Cup 2016 race preview

25 June 2016 10:41 AM

There's been a slight improvement in the condition of the Eagle Farm track today. This morning at 6.30am it was rated a Soft 5 for today's Tatt's Tiara Day and it wouldn't surprise me to see it improve to a Good 4 by the time some of the later races jump. Race six on the program is the Group 3 Tattersall's Cup run over the 2200m course. Runners jump half-way up the home straight, run 150m to the finishing post for the first time and then complete a circuit of the track.

 

Betting-Odds-Eagle-Farm

Tucanchoo has had two wins from two starts this preparation, one each in Sydney and Melbourne, both on slow tracks, and now makes the trip to Brisbane. Won his only start over the distance. Those two wins on soft were his only starts on wet tracks. One of the main chances.

Benzini was impressive when winning the G2 Brisbane Cup a few weeks ago over 2400m. Gets another 3.5kg to carry from that run but not as a talented lot this time. Expect him to be very competitive.

Junoob was gutsy when battling away in the Brisbane Cup to run 3.3 lengths third behind Benzini after running wide for most the journey. Meets him 2.5kg better with the weights this time. Can't dismiss.

Malice has had mixed results around the 2200m mark. Finished midfield or thereabouts over 2000m in two consecutive runs at Rosehill and Randwick last year in Listed and Group 3 company. The preparation before that he won the ATC Cup on a good track, a Listed event over 2000m. Has been solid in recent racing over shorter distances. Capable of popping up.

Index Linked makes appeal on his G3 JRA plate second behind Guardini back in April over 2000m. Has finished 4 to 5 lengths away in his three runs since then over similar distances. Is capable of figuring.

Gesemi has been thereabouts in recent New Zealand stakes races around this distance. Her record says she relishes the bog track which she won't get here today but is 6-1-0-1 on soft ground. New Zealand form over this distance tends to stand-up well. Watch.

Brave Ali ran well two starts ago over 1615m when finishing 2.1 lengths behind Mighty Lucky. Is looking for this distance now. Could lead and dictate the pace in this small field. Goes in as a chance.

Mr Lebrock has put in some good runs this preparation albeit in easier grades. Late surge last start indicated he is looking for this distance. Not hopeless.

1st Benzini stands out in this. Seems to have the edge on this lot and has a lot going for him.

2nd Tucanchoo

3rd Junoob

Mike Steward