October 21: 5 Horses to Watch on Geelong Cup Day

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Tue 20th October 2020

It’s a stacked field contesting the Geelong Cup (2400m) with four internationals ready to make their debut down under chasing a weight penalty to qualify for the 2020 Melbourne Cup.

There’s plenty of money to be made on the day, let’s take a look at a few that stand out…

Geelong

Race 2 – Benchmark 70 – 1700m

Tony McEvoy’s Frankie Pinot ($5) did it easily last start on a Heavy deck at Geelong, and looks like he’ll relish the step up in distance as he was strong through the line.

He’s a nice price in the market, and I’m happy to side with him at the price rather than Scottish Dancer ($2.60) who beat an average field at Cranbourne last start.

Verdict: Leaning towards Frankie Pinot ($5) at the better price.

Watch: Frankie Pinot do it easy at Geelong last outing.

Race 6 – 3YO Geelong Classic – 2200m

A few types that are looking to prove themselves ahead of a possible VRC Derby tilt, with Ultimate Edition ($3.50) looking the best of them.

Ultimate Edition looks a progressive type ready to win again after taking out a Maiden at Bendigo over the mile. Also from that race is Rousseau ($8.50), who gave them a big head start and finished well.

Alcyone ($4) has good form around Cherry Tortoni from the winter, but has had two runs so far this prep and needs to lift to win this and get his VRC Derby campaign back on track.

Verdict: Backing Ultimate Edition at $3.50 and saving on Rousseau at $8.50.

Race 7 – Geelong Cup – 2400m

It’s a tough race to bet into with confidence as the four internationals – San Huberto ($9), Ashrun ($4.20), Le Don De Vie ($5.50) and Skyward ($4.80) – are all making their first appearances on Australian soil.

Ashrun and Skyward look the pick of them in their current European form, and the market certainly hasn’t missed them.

Verdict: Leaning towards Skyward ($4.80) at the slightly better price.

Watch: Skyward take out the Group 3 Prix De Reux two starts ago.

 

Kensington

Race 7 – Benchmark 72 Handicap – 1400m

Bigboyroy ($4.80) resumes here after putting together a solid winter campaign, and looks the one to beat with his very solid first up record.

He should appreciate the soft going rather than running on a bog as was the case last prep, and with Brenton Avdulla onboard, maps to get a nice sit just behind the speed.

Verdict: Backing Bigboyroy at $4.80.

From Muswellbrook to the Melbourne Cup, Will is mad about all things racing and sport. Spent countless hours in the backyard as a child pretending to be Glenn McGrath, and has been known to get deadly late swing with a taped tennis ball.