With his third win from as many starts on the track, Equaliser confirmed his love of the Albion Park circuit last night, when he was a runaway winner of the Group One Brisbane Cup in a very fast 29.52. Beginning much cleaner than usual, he railed through to second out of the straight and from there it was a matter of times and margins. The run of the second dog, fellow Victorian Music Event, was also excellent, managing to hold Equaliser to just three and a half lengths ag the post. The victory gave Equalisers trainer Jason Thompson, his fifth victory in the Cup, an outstanding achievement. The Favourite, Shima Shine, who eased in the market, was checked and pushed wide at the first turn resulting in him never being a winning chance.
In the other Group One race at Albion Park last night, the South Australian visitor Sir Truculent, under the guidance of caretaker trainer Tony Brett, was simply stunning with his five-length victory in the Queensland Cup. A noted slow beginner in his home state, “the truc” as he is affectionately known across the country, began well to be in the leading division early before driving to the lead through the catching pen on his way to victory. The win, his 40th career victory, was his first at Group One level, but one that was very well deserved.
Down south at Sandown Park, in the final of the Group Two McKenna Memorial, the Mark Delbridge trainer Christo Bale made it back to back wins in the event, leading throughout in recording a very comfortable seven-length victory. The nine-time group finalists confirmed his status as the best middle-distance dog in the country with this win. He is such a good chaser, it would be of no surprise to us if he was still racing at this time next year, providing him with a chance of a hat trick of wins in the event.
Geelong Race 1 No 3 Irish Hope $2.20 at PlayUp – Showed excellent early speed last start, leading clearly before getting wide in finishing second at this track and distance. It Will be improved by the experience and we are expecting him to go one better in this and late the money for the punters.
Richmond Race 5 No 4 Old Ace Banner $3.00 at PlayUp – Slow beginner who can find trouble in his runs, so this five dog field will suit him perfectly and we expect him to be too strong in the closing stages.
Sale Race 8 No 6 Dream Wizard $1.85 at PlayUp – Genuine group dog on one bend tracks, he loves this track and distance. A very strong win here last start and he will repeat that effort again tonight to bring up career win number twenty-two.
Geelong Race 8 No 6 Peaky Pub $5.00 at PlayUp – Has a fast 25.57 victory to his name at track and distance. Seems to begin better from a wide draw, so this box suits perfectly. Looks very nice each-way value in this field. Yes.
Grafton Race 9 No 6 Jig Saw Joe $6.00 at PlayUp – This dog has had no luck in recent starts at this track and distance, receiving checks when in forwarding position. This field is not strong and we are expecting him to lead and win. He is our best of the night and the odds on offer are very generous. Your banker for your multi bets.
