Who caught the eye at the Cup trials?

The following horses have trialled pleasingly at this week’s cup trials and now (10/11/26) they head back to Addington on our biggest day of racing on Tuesday.

Lauzelle (4g Majestic Son – Brylin Paige) Tr. S Williams

Massive winning trial on Wednesday settling last of eight after a slow but safe getaway, some 15L last at the bell then commenced a solo run around field to land outside the leader 800m out, hampered 400m when that leader broke, still had enough to come back and claim the victory. MR:2:09.7, 800m in 58.3, 400m in 30.0. The veteran of only seven starts, winning three of his first 4 (all on the grass) in impressive fashion. Begins the cup day programme over the 3200m (Race 1) and off the unruly. Hardly foolproof but no doubting the motor. Odds likely to be very generous for those willing to take the ‘gamble’.

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Lizzie Borden (3f Downbytheseaside – Lancewood Lizzie) Tr. C & C Dalgety

Had plenty of gate speed to lead in the Wednesday trial and went to the line hard held but still in front. MR:1:59.8, 800m in 56.4, 400m in 28.4. Starts in Race 4 and had a sweet draw to use, similar tactics here could see her very hard to peg back. Has won the two from 14 starts and a daughter of a Bettor’s Delight mare who won 13 races and banked some $258k. Huge third when resuming this campaign and not a lot of luck in two subsequent starts. With a few things in her favour here, she looks a strong winning chance

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Franco Ankara (3g Captain Crunch – After Party) Tr. C & C Dalgety

Sat last in a strung out 9-horse heat on Wednesday, still a lonely last at the 400m some 10L from the leaders, really caught the eye late (unplaced) getting within 3L of the winner on a 1:59.3MR, last 800m in 57.4. His last 400m would have been exceptional. Form-line looks a little bleak in recent times but (like most) he has been chasing the likes of Jumal. Race 6 looks like a ‘drop back’ in class and the draw has become even better with a scratching. Has won the three from 14 starts and well placed to continue what could be a bumper day for the top Canterbury stable.

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Secret Wish (3f Bettor’s Wish – Secret Lotion) Tr. H & A Cullen

Sat in midfield of 7 in Wednesday trial, never asked for a supreme effort over the final stages and finished comfortably in third behind Double Jeopardy. MR:1:58.8, 800m in 56.9, 400m in 28.3. Goes into Race 8 ($200,000k Group 1) ready to rumble. Has a good draw, a good driver and in many ways has been the ‘benchmark’ filly of this 3YO crop. Has won six from 14 with a further five top 3 placings with $191k in the bank. With her toughest rival drawn the outside of the second line, she looks the filly to beat.

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Faith Not Fear (2g Captaintreacherous – Imaginary Bet) Tr. H & A Cullen

Sat last of four in Wednesday trial then showed that wicked speed he possesses to round up his three rivals and win impressively MR:1:58.2, 800m in 55.4, 400m in 27.8. Beaten only once in four starts and deemed unlucky on that occasion. Has the luxury of drawing the pole in Race 9 and therefore that puts him in a position to control proceedings. Dam has already left a couple of millionaires (Captains Mistress and Merlin) and this fellow looks to have all the qualities to be just as good as his brother and sister. Doubting whether his rivals can hold him out over the final 200m

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Merlin (6h Art Major – Imaginary Bet ) Tr. Purdon / Phelan

Stepped nicely in three-horse heat and trailed The Lazarus Effect on Wednesday, comfortable enough coming home via passing lane to score in sharp sectionals. MR:2:02.7, 800m in 54.5, 400m in 27.0. Has an awful draw in the ‘Cup’ (Race 12) in 16 but it’s only a bad draw post race. With scratchings, he could start directly behind last year’s winner Kingman. When Barry Purdon (one of our greatest ever trainers) says he has never had him better, the $41/$7.50 fixed odds money would seem a very attractive offer. The Aussies are going to be very hard to beat in our big race but Merlin (and Zachary) could yet still offer some magic on this big occasion.

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