Last spring's G1 Caulfield Cup winner Jameka (Aus) (Myboycharlie {Ire}) has returned this campaign in form and with two pleasing fourth-placed performances, the Ciaron Maher-trained mare looks set to capture the A$1.5-million G1 Australian Cup (2000m).
With two wins and two placed efforts from four starts at the distance, the late closing sectionals in the G2 Peter Young S. by the mare has her ready to peak third up.
Darren Weir's Humidor (NZ) (Teofilo {Ire}) who finished in the runner-up stall in the Peter Young, looks hard to beat if he can get his race day manners in check. Often hanging at a vital stage in his races, the Group 1 performer will really appreciate the step up to the 2000m.
With victories at his last three starts including the Peter Young, the Darren Weir-trained Stratum Star (Aus) (Stratum {Aus}) is looking for a stud to continue the next phase of his career and victory here will aid the already dual Group 1 winner in securing a future home.
Winner of the G1 Emirates S. (2000m) during the spring, a forward showing by 5-year-old Awesome Rock (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) in the Australian Cup will see the Troy and Leon Corstens-trained stallion fly out next week to contest the $6-million G1 Dubai Turf (1800m) on Mar. 25.
The most intriguing of the 12-horse field is Lee and Anthony Freedman's Exospheric (GB) (Beat Hollow {GB}). Pleasing connections when recording the fastest final sectional splits in the Peter Young, the 5-year-old has international form over 2000m-plus, and is capable of playing a leading role in the race.
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