MORNINGTON trainer David Brideoake believes the bookmakers have got it right and Self Sense is the horse to beat in today’s $170,000 Albury Gold Cup.
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Self Sense is quoted as the $3.20-favourite in pre-post markets after already winning the Kilmore Cup and being narrowly beaten at Randwick last start.
The Tony McEvoy-trained Kourkam is the only other runner under $5 and is a $4.20 chance.
Brideoake is a previous winner of the Albury feature with Cape D’Amore in 2009 and is confident he has got the right horse to once again feature on the honour roll.
“I’m not surprised my horse is favourite and I rate Self Sense and McEvoy’s horse (Kourkam) very similar and the hardest to beat,” Brideoake said.
“We decided we were going to target the Albury Cup at the start of the campaign and we haven’t had one hiccup this preparation.
“He is coming off a very good effort in Sydney and the three weeks between runs is perfect.
“He has drawn a tad awkwardly but there is nothing we can do about that now.
“Being fourth run back from a spell he is at peak fitness and I’m looking forward to the race and think the horse has a undeniable show.”
Self Sense will be partnered by Tye Angland who will make the trek to Albury before flying back to Sydney for a handful or rides at Rosehill the following day.
Brideoake is originally from Lockhart while Angland also has ties to the Riverina being from Wantabadgery.
“The big plan is to get a result today and then target the Wagga Cup which both Tye and I consider our home town cup,” he said.
Self Sense has had three previous starts over the Albury Cup distance of 2000 metres for one win and two minor placings.
Brideoake expected the four-year-old to settle worse than midfield before swooping home late.
“The 2000 metres won’t be a problem and even a mile-and- a-half isn’t a problem,” he said.
“I expect him to be strong at the finish.
“Fingers crossed he gets his fair share of luck in running and I would we be disappointed if he didn’t at least finish in the top three.”
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