Richard Laming’s imported galloper Refectory is set for a big 2015 Adelaide Cup run over the two miles at Morphettville Racecourse this afternoon having pulled through his last start victory in Victoria in top order.
European import Refectory is a good light weight chance in the Adelaide Cup 2015 at Morphettville today. Photo: Adrienne Bicknell.
The Danehill Dancer five-year-old is only lightly-raced for his age having kicked off his career in Britain back in 2013.
He had a seven month hiatus after his opening four career runs before embarking on his maiden Australian campaign in May last year.
This afternoon will be his 11th run down under and his first in black type company after some promising form around Melbourne this summer – autumn season.
Two back he was runner-up to fellow Adelaide Cup hope The Ruffian in a Benchmark 78 over 2100m at Sandown-Lakeside before returning to the track last Wednesday to win a Benchmark 70 over the mile and a half for his Cranbourne-based trainer Laming.
In the $35,000 Kieran And Chris Plate (2400m), Refectory carried 59kg to victory with Dwayne Dunn in the saddle for the three-quarter length success.
Today in his South Australian debut, the import is thrown in the deep end for the $400,000 Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) where Jeff Lloyd has the ride from barrier one.
“He’s done what we wanted him to, to give him a shot at this race,” Laming told Racing Victoria.
“He raced really well on Wednesday; the horse is coming right at the perfect time, he did everything right, relaxed well, sat off the place then picked up when he needed to and found the line.
“He’s come through Wednesday’s race sensational and I couldn’t be happier.
“He’s had a good preparation, been lightly raced and drawn the inside barrier which always helps, the biggest positive factor is that he’s an English stayer who will come into his own over this distance.”
Fourteen runners remain in Adelaide Cup contention following the withdrawal of Gossip Guru, Darren Weir’s Group 3 Lord Reims Stakes (2600m) winner at the track last time out Taiyoo the $4.20 favourite through Ladbrokes.com.au.
Refectory meanwhile can be found a fair bit further down the Adelaide Cup odds at $19, equal with Mick Cerchi’s 45-start veteran Tanby, both horses on the 53kg minimum.
That weight is a notable six kilo drop for Refectory, giving Laming the sniff of an upset Adelaide Cup result in the air.
“We know he’s a natural stayer,” he said.
“He’s a good light weight chance.
“Some of the ones to beat are carrying top weight and that can be a big ask over the two miles for any horse.
“If he gets the right run and it plays out the way that suits him, then he’s a good chance but we will have to wait and see.
“I absolutely think he can win it.”
To check out the full Adelaide Cup betting odds and options visit Ladbrokes.com.au now who are offering an Adelaide Cup special price of $4.50 on Tanby today!
