Challenge for Prince in Gold Cup

The focus is on the New Zealand Cup (3200m) aspirants in Saturday’s Feilding Gold Cup (2100m) but a minor upset is on the cards.

Marton trainer Fraser Auret has his emerging stayer Alinko Prince ($8.50) ready to take on the tried and true handicappers.

Four of them at the top of the handicap, Pump Up The Volume ($10), Blathwayt ($5), Guarantor ($4.80) and Savaria ($4.50) hold nominations for the NZ Cup on November 12.

The early favouritism is around another lightly-tried newcomer to the open class ranks in Five To Midnight ($3.40) to be ridden by Darryl Bradley for local trainer Lisa Latta.

He is a highly regarded Domesday 4-year-old with a career high second to Humidor in the Manawatu Classic last season.

But Auret, his 5-year-old Alamosa gelding and the wily skills of visiting South Island jockey Chris Johnson could be the combo to cause a slight boilover in the $50,000 Listed race.

Auret and Johnson have combined just five times previously without success but circumstances might conspire to bring their first win.

Johnathan Parkes was aboard when Alinko Prince won his last start in a Rating 75 over 1600m on a heavy track at Otaki but the chance to continue his association with 3-year-old 1000 Guineas nominee Volpe Veloce at Tauranga.

That opened the way for Johnson to take the reins on the winner of five from 18 starts.