Raiders make local horses shy at Geelong Cup
IT’S all about quality not quantity in this year’s Geelong Cup.
A field of between eight and 11 is expected to head to the starting barriers for the $ 300,000 Group 3 race on Wednesday after 23 horses were nominated yesterday.
Trainers for nine of those horses have already indicated their ambitions lie elsewhere, including a number of confirmed Caulfield Cup runners.
As expected star international trio Brigantin, Tac de Boistron and Gatewood were nominated and should dominate the market for the race.
Geelong Racing Club chief Paul Carroll said yesterday the strong list of international runners had scared off some potential local runners for this year’s Cup.
‘‘ The club is extremely pleased with the quality of the Geelong Cup,’’ Carroll said.
‘‘Unfortunately, the success of the Geelong Cup over the last few years has impacted on the numbers of horses nominated this year.
‘‘The Melbourne Cup winner coming out of the race over the last two years shows that you need a quality horse to win a Geelong Cup.’’
A number of trainers are still yet to make up their mind on whether they will head to the Geelong Cup.
Exceptionally is a chance to accept, but connections are also considering the Moonee Valley Cup.
‘‘It is not out of the question that we will come to Geelong – we haven’t made a decision,’’ Stawell-based trainer Terry O’Sullivan said.
‘‘Track condition will make a fair difference.
‘‘If they have a bit of give in the ground at Geelong that will help us.’’
Maluckyday will head to the race if he is well weighted.
The owner of Tanby, Lloyd Williams, has indicated last year’s runner- up was also likely to start again.