ONE of the smallest fields in recent history will contest today’s Hamilton Cup at the Hamilton race course.
The continued winter blast has obviously swayed many connections from contesting the $60,000 Bet365 feature with only six runners greeting the starter.
The track was rated a Heavy 8 on Thursday morning, but with more rain forecast the track could deteriorate further.
Disappointingly for the club, the Cup is by far the worst affected race; the support card has stood up well.
Thankfully the race does throw up plenty of intrigue, especially with the weight burden Teewaters has compared to other runners.
The Archie Alexander trained 4YO has been asked to carry 61kg by the handicapper, seven kilograms more than his five rivals.
But when you look through his record, he has earned the weight.
A Group One placing in last year’s Victorian Derby behind Hitotsu speaks volumes for the horse’s class.
That placing followed a third in the Group 3 Norman Robinson behind Gunstock.
Recently he won the $175,000 VOBIS GOLD Stayers Final over 2400m at Caulfield defeating a good field by more than three lengths.
His form is very strong compared to his rivals the only query is carrying the big weight on a very heavy track.
A winner on a slow track, his only Heavy track run resulted in a placing.
Dangers look to be 2020 Cup winner Muntham Missile, Pres De Toi and recent winner at the track Lindelani.
Muntham Missile trained by Belinda O’Loughlin has returned to form in recent starts, a win at Morphettville two starts back followed a strong placing at Sandown.
While slightly disappointing last weekend at Morphettville, the seven days back up suggests the grand 8YO mare has come through the run well.
Pres De Toi is also backing up after finishing 5th in last week’s Murtoa Cup behind Huntly Castle.
A real heavy track might be the concern for the Peter Chow trained mare, although she does have solid slow track form.
Lindelani only won a BM58 at her recent win here, but the way she handled the heavy track gives her some hope.
Takumi and The Delphi from the Aaron Purcell stable look to be making up the numbers, but funnier things have happened in small fields before.
Looking for a best bet, Launch Pad trained by Tom Dabernig returned in winning form at Naracoorte and should run well at nice each way odds in the Callaghan Motors BM70 Handicap (MCCC Series Heat) over 1600m.
In what is a very strong race, the first two horses across the line will qualify for the final at Flemington on Oaks Day.
Good Punting!
