TOMORROW’S Casterton Cup meeting looks set to be one of the most successful race days in the club’s recent history.
Three hurdle races kick start the nine-race card with full fields and plenty of depth in most races.
The cup looks full of chances with topweight, Prince Jofra, heading the weights.
But undoubtedly the highlight of the meeting will be whether Elvison can make it a hat-trick of Two Rivers Steeplechase wins when he tackles the iconic live hedges course once again.
A winner of six chase starts at the track, he excels around this course.
Seemingly well-weighted with last year’s winning impost of 72.5kg, the Symon Wilde and Aaron Kuru runner should again lead and give his backers a huge sight.
Former Australian Steeplechase winner, Riding High, heads the weights with 73kg.
Along with Gunaluva, Tom Foolery and Mighty Oasis, they will provide plenty of opposition for the reigning champ.
Bold Bourbon and Brawl, the 2022 and 2023 respective cup winners, are back to defend their crowns in the main flat event.
A field full of chances, the Matt Cumani-trained Khoekhoe looks very well placed.
Narrowly defeated in this year’s Mount Gambier Cup, he then won the Terang Cup last month when leading all the way.
While up in the weights, Will Gordon, should be able to dictate the race from barrier one.
Thunder Point with Dean Yendall riding should run well, while Bold Bourben can be forgiven for his run in the Warrnambool Cup when down the track.
Prince Jofra comes over from South Australia with solid form and despite the wide draw commands respect, while Morrissette and Freedom Escape have some hope down in the weights.
Back to the maiden hurdle races, I expect Dubai Moon and Wilewink to go close.
What a result it would be in Braidon Small can win on Wilewink after his health battles during the past 12 months.
Braidon’s last winning ride was on Killourney at this meeting last year.
The Ecycle Hurdle is another strong race with many hopes, but I expect the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Teofilo Star to return to winning form at his first jumps start this season.
A good lead is regular Symon Wilde rider, Aaron Kuru, taking the ride over Fabalot and Bazini.
The best flat race aside from the cup looks to be the Nutrien Ag Solutions Casterton Handicap over 1200m.
The runners at the top of the weights all have chances and forced to select one, I will go to the very top and hope Stripped Back for trainer, Lindsey Smith, to get the job done.
The appointment of Group one winning rider, John Allen, is the key despite drawing wide.
Morg’s selections
Race 1: Dubai Moon, Jack Knows Best, Our Candidate.
Race 2: Wilewink, Freddy The Eagle, Gambu
Race 3: Teofilo Star, Fabalot, El Diez
Race 4: Darts Daly, Alcoshare, Gerry’s Gift
Race 5: Elvison, Tom Foolery, Gunaluva
Race 6: Stripped Back, Sasqualah, Miso
Race 7: Persian Spirit, Just Watch Me, Under The Palais
Race 8: Khoekhoe, Thunder Point, Bold Bourbon
Race 9: Italiano, Colonel Hathi, Crux.
Sir Agrifo’s selections
Race 1: Dubai Moon, Maatsuyker, Our Candidate
Race 2: Wilewink, Gambu, Freddy The Eagle
Race 3: Teofilo Star, Bazini, Cleaver
Race 4: Darts Daly, Squid Sting, Alcoshare
Race 5: Elvison, Mighty Oasis, Tom Foolery
Race 6: Lang Park, Miso, Stripped Back
Race 7: Under The Palais, Persian Spirit, Four Outlaws
Race 8: Khoekhoe, Flossing, Teewaters
Race 9: Colonel Hathi, Redella, Rippa Buddy.
