Dozen of the finest make for top race
WHAT do we do now?
You could almost hear the collective groan from local punters when they looked at the final Geelong Cup field and failed to see an internationally trained runner in the final acceptances.
For so long the lure of a raider had been the go-to horse for those looking to have a wager on the region’s great race.
But does the omission of Qewy make our race weaker than other years? Absolutely not.
And it is quite the opposite if you are to believe the trainers with horses in this year’s race.
When talking to the connections of one Cup runner last week, they were quick to mention they would be running for second given Qewy was coming our way.
When told Godolphin had changed their plans with last year’s winner, the trainer was quick to reply: “Sensational, I reckon you’ll get a few more runners now, too.”
That is the way it has turned out. We have 12 gallopers headed to the barriers later and the race could not be more even.
Gallic Chieftain will start favourite and so he should. Owner OTI has an amazing record in the race with Ibicenco, Gatewood and Bauer all saluting in their colours in recent years.
And the French import, who made his Australian debut in Geelong at last year’s cup meeting, has Caulfield Cup form all around him.
He beat home Caulfield Cup winner Boom Time in the Herbert Power (2400m) last start, while that race’s winner, Lord Fandango, also ran a bolter at Caulfield.
You would think that form would be good enough to give the Geelong Cup a shake.
David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig-trained Fanatic also comes from that race, but finished behind that trio of horses.
Then you have New Zealand raider Lizzie L’Amour. She came to Australia as the stable’s pick for the Caulfield Cup, favoured ahead of runners Jon Snow and Bonneval.
But she has had no luck in three Australian runs and comes to Geelong needing victory to keep her Melbourne Cup hopes alive.
She finished behind Robert Smerdon-trained Berisha in the Cranbourne Cup. His blue silks stood out as he rattled home behind Cox Plate runner Folkswood.
And then you have the rising star in Wheal Leisure, who just 10 months ago broke her maiden at Terang over 1400m. She has now run in a Group 1, placed in Listed company and set to compete at Group 3 level.
Darren Weir cannot be written off. His galloper Kellstorm will thrive if we get a wet track.
The stable knows how to win country cups.
This year’s Geelong Cup may lack international star power, but it is as deep as ever.
You can make a case for almost every runner.
It’s been a spring of upsets with Boom Time ($41) and Mighty Boss ($101) winning two of Caulfield’s major races in the past fortnight.
Geelong is in line to join that list. There is an upset brewing.