Eastender fired up for another Cup win

TASMANIAN stayer Eastender has been the horse backed to beat Bondeiger in today’s $400,000 Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) at Morphettville.

Eastender — the first horse since Brallos in 1977 to win the Devonport, Hobart and Launceston Cup treble — faces a tricky wide gate with Craig Newitt in the saddle, but that hasn’t deterred punters. He also won the Hobart Cup prelude, the 2200m Summer Cup.

While Bondeiger is solid at the top of betting, firming into $3.70 favourite, the big money has been for the Barry Campbell-trained Eastender, who is widely considered the best stayer Tasmanian has produced in more than 40 years.

“Bondeiger remains favourite in our market, but all the big money has been for Eastender,’’ Ladbrokes’ Tom Hackett said. “Punters don’t seem worried about the wide barrier draw and he accounts for half our hold on the race.’’

Campbell said Eastender had settled well in Adelaide.

The veteran trainer said he was confident his horse would thrive, getting out to the 3200m for the first time in his career.

Campbell, who was last in South Australia in 2016 with former top sprinter Admiral when 11th behind Black Heart Bart in the Group 1 Goodwood, said Eastender had arrived in Adelaide in good order. “He travelled over pretty good, he got in this morning [Sunday] he’s settled well, he’s eating and all is good,’’ Campbell said.

And the Tasmanian Hall of Fame horseman isn’t too concerned with a wide gate for the horse who likes to get back in his races.

“I would have liked him drawn a bit better but he’s going to go back anyway,’’ Campbell said.

“I would have preferred 12 or 13 but it is what it is.’’