TWO of the nation’s biggest stables yesterday confirmed the Albury Gold Cup was on their radar.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The all-conquering Chris Waller stable and global racing giant Darley said they would look to have at least one and perhaps multiple runners in the $170,000 feature race.
The news comes just a day after the David Hayes stable confirmed 2012 winner Extra Zero was cup bound.
Last year’s early Melbourne Cup favourite Sea Moon, from the powerful Lloyd Williams stable, could also target the race.
Waller’s racing manager Liam Prior was reluctant to name specific horses yesterday.
“We have got a number of stayers that could target the race,” he said.
“But with a host of staying races coming up over the Sydney autumn carnival, we have numerous stayers aimed at these events.
“The Albury Gold Cup has the reputation as one of the best country cups in NSW.
“So we are looking at bringing a runner or two.
“It would be a big thrill for the stable to win such a prestigious country cup.”
Darley stable foreman Brad Widdup said the Peter Snowden-trained Kukri was the stable’s most likely runner.
Kukri is set to contest the $40,000 Benchmark 75 Hcp, (1900m) at Canterbury today in what would be most likely his final hitout before the March 28 Gold Cup.
“If Kukri races well today he will head to the Albury Cup,” Widdup said.
“He is probably not an A-grader and depending on the quality of the field will go around at double figure odds.
“If he comes we will bring a couple of others and also target the supporting races.”
Waller will be chasing his first Albury Gold Cup victory after Come On Cugat finished fourth behind Growl in the stable’s first attempt in 2010.
Darley entered Albury’s premier race for the first time last year with Peck.
The six-year-old gelding finished midfield as a $6 chance with Christian Reith aboard.
Nominations for the two-day Albury carnival close on Monday, March 24, with the field declared on the Wednesday.