Alalcance firms for Sydney Cup despite tough draw
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Alalcance is a firming favourite for the Sydney Cup despite drawing off the track in the staying contest at Randwick.
Dominant in her past three wins at Randwick and Rosehill, Alalcance drew barrier 15 when the field of 23 runners was finalised on Tuesday for Saturday’s Group 1 handicap over 3200m.
Alalcance will jump from barrier 13 if the three emergencies do not gain a start.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Bott said drawing off the track was of no concern for the training partners as it will give jockey Tim Clark options in the run.
“She has drawn low at her last two starts,” Bott said.
“She had been a little bit slow into stride and potentially she could have got herself into a tricky position on a couple of those occasions.
“Being out wide is not a concern at all. Tim will be able to ride his own race, but she is versatile and there are a number of ways she can be ridden.”
Following Tuesday’s draw, Alalcance firmed from $2.80 into $2.50 and had a clear hold market leadership over Zardozi at $7.
Zardozi, who finished fourth in the Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington last November, will get a soft run after drawing barrier three.
The Matt Laurie-trained Treasurethe Moment is the $1.70 favourite for the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2400m) on Saturday after coming up with barrier two.
Treasurethe Moment will have nine opponents as she looks to add Saturday’s Oaks to the Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) she won at Flemington last November.
The filly has been dominant in her three unbeaten runs this campaign but is meeting some ‘new blood’ with Group 1 New Zealand Oaks winner Leica Lucy an opponent on Saturday.
Leica Lucy has gate one and will be ridden by James Mcdonald.
A field of 13 mares will do battle in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) with Fangirl to carry the number one saddlecloth from gate six.
Fangirl is also an acceptor in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) on Saturday.
Doncaster Mile winner Stefi Magnetica has accepted to back-up on Saturday with Atishu, Amelia’s Jewel, Lekvarte and Lazzura also amongst acceptances.
- RAS NewsWire
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
