Last Saturday night at Cannington, Victorian chaser Tiggerlong Tonk scored the narrowest of victories in the Perth Cup to finally provide him with a very well deserved Group 1 at his ninth attempt. After a number of previous near misses, Tonk looked like he was up against it again after finding early trouble and still standing up the tearaway leader, Canya Chase, some 3 lengths turning for home. But Tonk wonderful chasing ability was evident for all to see as he grabbed his last stride victory to provide young trainer Correy Grenfell with his second success in the race following on from Orson Allen in 2019.
The final of the Maitland Gold Cup highlights racing tonight in what looks a very open race. Litter and kennel mates, More Sauce and Casual Glance, trained by Michelle Lill, were the fastest qualifiers but it was the run of Zipping Kyrgios in running second in his heat, that has swayed us to select him in the final. Stopped in his tracks at the first bend, his effort to recover and storm home to go down narrowly, was simply outstanding. He represents very nice each way value tonight from the 6 box tonight.
Warrnambool Race 8 No 1 Mepunga Isla $1.90 at PlayUp – She will be greatly improved by her first up run at Bendigo last week when she was run down in the shadow of the post, following a two months break from racing. Back at her home track and ideally drawn from the red, she looks the leader and the winner.
Albion Park Race 5 No 1 Power Point Diva $2.10 at PlayUp – Extremely versatile chaser who was super in her win over the 710 metres last start, after winning at Ipswich over 520 metres two starts earlier. Has won over this 600 metre trip previously in fast time and fro this draw we expect her to be winning again.
Dapto Race 4 No 5 Spritely Ebony $5.60 at PlayUp – Has been racing consistently in very good company at Wentworth Park of late, and displaying improved stamina also. Stepping up to the 600 metres tonight, we think she has establish to big enough lead mid race to pinch the major prize.
Sandown Race 1 No 7 Aston Rhona $4.20 at PlayUp – Outstanding winner this track and distance, in 29.34, two starts back. In the string Anthony Azzopardi kennel and looks a star in the making. Draw not ideal but he is nice value.
Sandown Park Race 8 No 1 Lakeview Walter $2.10 at PlayUp – Undefeated in three previous runs at this track, he looks the bet of the night for us from the inside box draw. Looks a real standout and the banker for all multi bets.