The Group 2 Bendigo Cup field looks to be one of the best group finals on paper for some time. There is class oozing everywhere you look.
Group 2 Bendigo Cup Preview
LANDMARK (1) was very impressive in running 2nd to ASTON BOLERO in his heat. He will really benefit from the inside draw especially with Aston Bolero and Aston Dee Bee drawn on his outside but he isn’t flash away at box rise. He usually takes a few strides to let rip which is a concern in this final with so much pace but he does have super impressive pace. Could be an each way ticket.
ASTON BOLERO (2) was the 2016 winner of this race and after his super impressive heat win he looks to be a major player in 2017 version of the cup. My worry with him is the inside draw. He is a dog that likes a bit of room to move to balance up and let rip. If he had drawn boxes 6,7,8 he would be my on top selection but from box 2 I just have a small concern about him.
ASTON DEE BEE (3) is up there with one of the quickest dogs in the country but unfortunately, his box manners can let him down at times. In a field with so much early pace I think he would be better drawn out wide because if he misses the start he would have room to balance up but from box 3 I think he will find it very difficult. If he gets the timing right and jumps then he is up to his eyeballs in this race.
STRIKER LIGHT (4) was sensational in her heat win on Sunday afternoon. She was disappointing on the Thursday night at Albion Park but she turned it around completely at Bendigo. Unfortunately, she has drawn poorly for the final here. She can ping the lids but I am just finding it very hard to see her being able to cross and lead. If this was over the 500m she would be extremely hard to beat.
TIGGERLONG CRUZ (5) was a very good heat winner here on Sunday running over the top of Good Girl Sandy. She has been going very well of late but this is a big step up in class and with the speed around her I think she will be shuffled to far back early.
BLACK MUMBO SCRATCHED JESAULENKO INTO BOX 6
JESAULENKO (6) was very impressive in running 2nd to quickest heat winner Zinzan Brooke. Jezza’s time was actually the 2nd quickest time of the day so shows how well he went. He is a faultless beginner and I expect him to fire across the field and lead which will make the race for Zinzan Brooke just like the heat but if Jezza can put it all together and pinch a nice break he might be to win the Cup as a reserve. Huge player in this final!
ZINZAN BROOKE (7) was the quickest heat winner last week from the same draw. His time of 23.40 was only .02 outside the track record which shows you how impressive he was. He is a dog that takes a stride or two to let rip but from box 7 he will get that room to accelerate and zoom down the outside. I think he will take home the 2017 Bendigo Cup and break the track record as well!
KOUTA MAYHEM (8) is the most inexperienced chaser in this field lining up for only his 13th start but does not look out of place. Has had 3 starts at the track for 3 super quick wins. Box 8 looks to be the only worry as I feel he just won’t be able to cross this field. Will be a star in the future and will be a great learning experience for this young chaser.
SELECTIONS 7,9,2,4
WIN BET – ZINZAN BROOKE
I also like ZIPPING ANGUS in the $10,000 Winter Cup final over the 660m trip. He is jumping from box 7 but he will get plenty of room to move early with the 6 CADALORA a slow beginner and REEFTON TRESURE (8) liking to move to the right after box rise I just feel like ZIPPING ANGUS will jump to the front be off and gone. He will get tired the last 30 meters but should be able to hold them off.
WIN BET – ZIPPING ANGUS
Good luck and happy punting!
@MJLanigan23