DECISION IS FINAL
Two of four experts pick Final Hearing to win today’s Alice Springs feature
WITH the $70,000 Ladbrokes Alice Springs Cup (2000m) at 5.10pm today, some of the Territory’s foremost racing experts have given the NT News their tips for the big race.
Champion trainer Gary Clarke’s Java comes in a deserved favourite and topweight (58kg) after wins in the St Patrick’s Day Cup and Chief Minister’s Cup.
However, with doubts over the veteran’s pace over 2000m, it is stablemate Final Hearing and Angela Forster’s competitive Lotion who race experts are considering favourites.
Thoroughbred Racing NT CEO Andrew O’Toole said he was a fan of Lotion, believing it was time for Forster’s runner to win a big race after taking out second place in the Chief Minister’s Cup last week.
“The field is pretty even all around but I’m a Lotion man myself,” he said. “He had a couple of runs here in Darwin and that one in Alice. His preparation has been timed well and I think the timing is right for Lotion to win a big one.
“He also has Paul Shiers in the saddle, who is one of our best jockeys here in the Territory.”
Fannie Bay race announcer Craig Sant also had Lotion earmarked as a big contender but instead backed four-year-old Final Hearing for the top honours. “It’s a really open race this year but I have to go with Final Hearing, only a young horse but I think he would get the 2000m,” Sant said.
“He hasn’t had too much racing so there’s a bit of freshness in the legs and he’s peaking a bit coming into his thirdup race.
“Lotion looked all right last week and will be up there, while Mazzaro (Tayarn Halter) is also capable.”
Alice Springs race caller Dylan Bairstow was another fan of Final Hearing after the young runner’s third place in the Chief Minister’s Cup.
“He is a well-trained horse that has been working toward another win after running well in the Chief Minister’s the other day,” Bairstow said.
Alice Springs Turf Club CEO Tom Slattery went for local star Ash Grey, from Leanne Gillett’s stable, a former winner of the Alice Springs Cup in 2018.
“I’m going with local runner Ash Grey, who’s a former winner of the Cup,” the turf club boss said.
“We’ve got a terrific day of racing with nine races on Super Sunday, including our Pioneer Sprint (4.37pm) prior to the Cup race, and all races will be on Sky.
“It’s been a little bit flat this year without crowds but we hope to see everyone out on the course next time round.”