Witz eyes Cup upset
IT will take an almighty run to take the Murwillumbah Cup off Saxton Rock based on current form but Lismore trainer Owen Glue has At Witz End in the best possible shape to cause an upset.
At Witz End, an Epaulette five-year-old, ran less than two lengths fifth behind Saxton Rock in the Maclean Cup (1400m) at Grafton two runs back, then last start he beat Exclusive home in the Casino Cup (1400m).
Regular rider Belinda Hodder stays on At Witz End, who Glue has thought for some time could do well in Friday’s race over 1550m.
“I’ve got barrier one in a nice, small field but it’s a quality field,” he said.
“I picked this race out a couple of months ago.
“Things played into our hands last start. There was no speed in the race and it was a very good ride by Belinda with no weight on his back.”
Glue insists his horse will be strong at the end of Friday’s race even if it’s not his best trip and Hodder will give him a cushy run in transit.
“He’s won at the mile already but he’s probably more effective over 1400m,” Glue said. “But with only two weeks between runs I think he’ll be just fine over 1550m.
“I don’t want him to lead. These days I leave it up to Belinda. The horse is versatile and it’s going to be a tactical race with just seven runners.
“Once you press the button you’ve got to keep going. He can come from last or he can be up on the speed.”
The Murwillumbah track, along with Saxton Rock, is probably the main fear for Glue who won’t know until it’s too late whether his horse gets around the Tweed course well enough to win.
“Saxton Rock and the grey horse (Exclusive) are the
main threats. My horse has never been to Murwillumbah and it’s definitely an unknown with him because he’ll constantly be turning then on to a small straight,” he said.
Saxon Rock, who is trained on the track by Matt Dunn, is the $3 favourite with
Ladbrokes for the Murwillumbah Cup ahead of Nothingforthepress ($4.60) and At Witz End ($4.80).
Topweight Exclusive is next in the market at $5.