Despite their narrow Ipswich Cup victory last start, Bryan Guy’s Gold Coast-based mare Anagold is at juicy odds to complete a Queensland Winter Racing Carnival double with a victory in Saturday’s 2013 Caloundra Cup on the Sunshine Coast.
Anagold vies for the Ipswich Cup - Caloundra Cup 2013 double this Saturday. Photo: Daniel Costello.
Twelve months ago Michael Moroney’s interstate raider Shenzhou Steeds completed the double backing up from their Ipswich Cup triumph to take out a wet edition of the $200,000 Listed Caloundra Cup (2400m).
This year Anabaa four-year-old Anagold is out to do the same after improving on her earlier disappointing Brisbane form to hold off a quality field in the Listed Ipswich Cup (2150m) on June 15.
Facing a similar field of rivals again, getting in on the 54kg minimum and coming up trumps with barrier seven (into six with emergencies out) in the capacity 18-starter field this weekend the mare is only rated a $21 chance in the Caloundra Cup odds.
It seems a very juicy price on Anagold considering the shorter odds punters will find Ipswich Cup runner-up High Kin ($10) at who has drawn barrier 18.
Ipswich Cup third placegetter Za Magic (barrier four) meanwhile is also at $21 along with Anagold who Guy is hoping can recreate her last start form for another upset after winning at Ipswich as a $41 shot.
“I’m not worried about the other horses and there’s nothing that stands out to me as a certain winner,” Guy said on Thursday.
“In saying that, I wouldn’t say I’m that confident of taking out the race either, so we’ll just do our best and see how she goes.
“She’s going okay and moving along strongly and has been improving, so hopefully that continues.
“She likes these types of races and the distance will suit her, so we’re hoping for good conditions.”
Also in her favour would be a firmer track with the course proper at Corbould Park expected to firm from its Slow (7) upgrade yesterday so long as the weather stays cool and clear as is the forecast for Saturday.
“She prefers a dry track and hopefully that’s what we get on Saturday,” Guy said.
“If it does get some rain it shouldn’t worry her too much but we’re hoping the track’s in good shape.”
Instructions to jockey Anthony Pattillo, who was in the saddle for the Ipswich Cup, will be to keep Anagold close to the inside from her nice barrier.
“Hopefully Tony will get on the fence and stick with the pack for most of the race,” Guy said.
“He’s a good jockey and has had a strong season, including taking out the Rocky Cup earlier in the year.”
Caloundra Cup betting is currently led by last year’s reigning champ Shenzhou Steeds ($4.40) who comes off a very close second to Rialya in last Saturday’s Group 3 Tattersall’s Cup (2200m).
Other single figure fancies in the mix for the title then include Kiwi visitor Zennista ($5.50) coming off a Brisbane Cup third, the Brian Smith-trained Tattersall’s Cup third placed Rothera ($6) and Peter Moody’s Eagle Farm Cup minor placegetter Voila Ici ($8) who carries the 59.5kg topweight.
Think Anagold can go against the bookies and complete the Ipswich Cup – Caloundra Cup double this winter?
Get behind them online now at bookmaker.com.au making sure to also check out the exclusive ‘Pick Your Own Odds’ markets on all the metro races this weekend!
