Cup blow for Affair

PETER STAPLES

HOBART Cup winner Toorak Affair has been hit with a threekilogram penalty for next week’s Launceston Cup.

Toorak Affair carried the minimum weight of 54kg in the Hobart Cup, but the victory shot her rating up from 92 to 101 to be equal with former New Zealand stayer Home by Midnight which will carry top weight of 59kg in the Launceston Cup.

Being a mare gives Toorak Affair a two-kilogram allowance, which means she has been handicapped to carry 57kg next Wednesday, but her trainer Michael Trinder isn’t fazed by the weight penalty.

“Obviously I would have preferred her to be closer to the weight she carried in the Hobart Cup, but she had to incur a penalty for that win, and I thought it might have been 1½ to 2kg,” Trinder said yesterday.

“But she carries me on her back most days in training, so she used to big weights on her back.

“All I know is she has never been in better condition, she is very fit, and she has thrived on racing this time in, so she has a bit going for her heading into next week’s race.”

Despite Trinder’s nonchalant approach to his mare’s increased weight, the added impost could sway bookmakers to lengthen her opening price from $3 to better than each-way odds.

With trainer Patrick Payne confirming Home by Midnight a certain starter next Wednesday, weights cannot rise.

New South Wales stayer Morton’s Fork will carry 57.5kg and Exoteric is handicapped to lug 55.5 with all other runners on the minimum of 54kg.

Final acceptances for the Launceston Cup will be known after 9am today, with the Cup barrier draw to be held at a special Tasmanian Turf Club function at Mowbray tonight at 7pm. is