It is a tale of the unbeatable meeting his new, younger foe as Tasmanian Chinatown Lad, Australia's number one stayer faces New South Wales' brash newcomer Varvatos in an exciting final of the Group Two Pages Event Hire Sydney Cup at Wentworth Park this Saturday night.
Top level distance racing can be bereft of talent at times but the majority of the field for the Sydney Cup all enter the race with a live chance of taking away the $25,000 winners cheque.
It shapes as though Gunnadoo Magic and Chinatown Lad will make the speed early with the fast closers Varvatos and Octane Al sure to be winding up with their runs down the home straight in what is sure to be a great viewing spectacle.
Racing starts at 7.25pm with the Pages Event Hire Sydney Cup timed for 9.12pm and the Group One
NCA Paws of Thunder Final at 10pm.
Wentworth Park 720m Record : 8 Starts – 2 wins – 1 seconds – 3 thirds
Best Time : 42.52
Heat : 3rd running 42.76, beaten by Varvatos and Fallen Zorro
Last Time : 42.84
Pre Post Odds : $21
Comment : Injury plagued stayer who is capable of running time when she gets some clear galloping room. Only fair to begin from the boxes, she will be crossed early by Gunnadoo Magic and Chinatown Lad, making her task very tough especially against these A-graders.
Comment : It was back to the winners circle for Robert Britton's talented bitch, when she pulled off an unexpected victory over long odds-on favourite Chinatown Lad in her heat. The Tasmanian champion crept up but Gunnadoo Magic dug deep to hold him at bay after jumping from an unsuitable wide box. Has an excellent Wentworth Park 720m record and looms as a great each way prospect, as she will only improve in fitness from last week's effort.
Wentworth Park 720m Record : 4 Starts – 3 wins – 1 seconds – 0 thirds
Best Time : 41.93 (Track Record)
Heat : 2nd running 42.75, beaten by Gunnadoo Magic
Last Time : 42.75
Pre Post Odds : $2.20
Comment : The only dog to ever break the unthinkable 42 second barrier at Wentworth Park started $1.30 yet got involved in some early bumping which seemed to deflate him and he just couldn't peg back Gunnadoo Magic in the straight. Has been the form stayer in Australia in 2008 but may be feeling the effects of a six month interstate staying raid that has seen him compete five states and win five group races.
Wentworth Park 720m Record : 5 Starts – 2 wins – 0 seconds – 0 thirds
Best Time : 42.72
Heat : 4th running 42.94, beaten by Gunnadoo Magic, Chinatown Lad and Octane Al
Last Time : 42.94
Pre Post Odds : $26
Comment : Ran a cheeky race here last week when she led in the back straight before being overrun by Gunnadoo Magic and Chinatown Lad which is no disgrace. Yet to turn two years of age, she will be a force in years to come but might struggle to match these in the infancy of her staying career.
Comment : The new face of NSW distance racing, taking over from the sidelined Miagi, Varvatos has gone from strength to strength since converting to the longer trip and his win last week was simply breathtaking as he sailed by a seasoned star in Fallen Zorro to race away to victory in quick time. Will be getting back but his record of three wins from four starts over this track and distance and his last run being only .01 outside his best should be respected.
Wentworth Park 720m Record : 2 Starts – 0 wins – 0 seconds – 1 thirds
Best Time : 42.75
Heat : 4th running 42.79, beaten by Varvatos, Fallen Zorro and Double Trouble
Last Time : 42.79
Pre Post Odds : $21
Comment : Has been impressive of late in Queensland yet hasn't quite made that next step up here at Wentworth Park in her past two performances. Can be speedy early on her night but she hasn't jumped well of late and it will take her best effort to run into a placing here.
Wentworth Park 720m Record : 12 Starts – 3 wins – 2 seconds – 3 thirds
Best Time : 42.70
Heat : 3rd running 42.83, beaten by Gunnadoo Magic and Chinatown Lad
Last Time : 42.83
Pre Post Odds : $26
Comment : Huge run when he flashed home late to nab third place behind Gunnadoo Magic and Chinatown Lad, whom he made up many lengths off in the home straight. Son of Pure Octane who has produced some smart young stayers to date, he is worth including in all multiples at the big odds he will most likely start.
Wentworth Park 720m Record : 4 Starts – 0 wins – 2 seconds – 2 thirds
Best Time : 42.67 (Solo Trial)
Heat : 2nd running 42.70, beaten by Varvatos
Last Time : 42.70
Pre Post Odds : $11
Comment : Tasmanian litter sister to Chinatown Lad has been thereabouts in her last four starts at Wentworth Park running a place each time without cracking it for a victory. There are concerns that she simply doesn't handle the Glebe circuit but she is ultra consistent and knows how to win big finals.
Wentworth Park 720m Record : 5 Starts – 1 wins – 1 seconds – 1 thirds
Best Time : 42.77
Heat : 5th running 42.77, beaten by Varvatos
Last Time : 42.77
Pre Post Odds : $17
Comment : Grand old dog who had been in fine form at Sandown Park stringing two wins in a row, both in quick time before a mixed effort here when he just missed out on a finals spot to Sassy Sprite. He would need to slot into a rails draw if he is to taste group glory here.
Wentworth Park 720m Record : 6 Starts – 2 wins – 1 seconds – 0 thirds
Best Time : 42.62
Heat : 5th running 43.40, beaten by Gunnadoo Magic.
Last Time : 43.40
Pre Post Odds : $51
Comment : Quick beginner who has found the step up to group class difficult and it would take a brave tipster to think she could trouble these top liners.
Pages Event Hire Sydney Cup Selections : 1st Varvatos, 2nd Chinatown Lad, 3rd Gunnadoo Magic