2014 Bathurst Gold Cup Final Preview

The $12,000 to the winner final takes place on Monday afternoon at 6:12pm (Race 8). and Martin Hallinan train half the field between them and it was Hallinan's Zipping Gilbert that was the fastest qualifier. He has drawn the rails alley for the final.

Previous winners of the Bathurst Gold Cup include Mythical Eagle, Irinka Luca, Retro Zarr and Dana Beatrice.

Here's a look at each of the finalist's chances.

 

1. Zipping Gilbert – Martin Hallinan

As mentioned, Zipping Gilbert was the fastest qualifier out of last week's heats. The brindle dog by – Natalie Rass had box seven last week and missed the start slightly from the outside. He stayed wide and managed to slot into second place behind Clair Vision at the first turn and run her down on the post to win by a length in 29.79. He used a bit of the track, so it will be interesting to see what he does from the inside as he is yet to record a win from box one.

2. Zambora Magic – Frank Hurst

Zambora Magic had the squeeze box last week and had to work hard for his win after pushing his way through trouble at the first turn to chase after the pace setter Crash Model. The Frank Hurst trained dog by Magic Sprite – Secret Powers flew straight past Crash Model turning for home to win by three and a half lengths in 29.96. Zambora Magic isn't the best beginner and will have to do everything right as he has a very quick beginner on his outside. However, he has never been unplaced from box two and he is an each way chance.

3. Clair Vision – Laurence Duncan

Laurie Duncan puts the polish on Clair Vision and she has drawn the very suitable box three. She was the early leader last week and was just pipped on the post by Zipping Gilbert. She still ran 29.85 running second and she possesses the fastest first split in the race – a flying 4.19. She is a perfect beginner and should lead. She lacks nothing on the breeding side either, being the daughter of Claire Maude, a former The Meadows holder over 600 metres.

4. Zipping Tess – Martin Hallinan

Zipping Tess, a brindle bitch by Bit Chili – led from box eight last week and was pipped by a head on the line by the fast finishing King Cobber. She recorded 30.03 running second. She has two wins from box four and looks like she needs to lead to win.

5. Knot Telling Ya – Marie Burton

Knot Telling Ya stormed home last week to finish second behind Zambora Magic. The blue dog loves Bathurst, having never been unplaced at the track from six starts. His best time at the track is 30.17. He isn't a quick beginner, so may struggle from the poor draw.

6. King Cobber – Frank Hurst

Frank Hurst's second runner in the final is by Swift Fancy – . Dana Lou Lou was a good stayer for Neville Brown who won numerous races at and was a finalist in the . King Cobber has raced 19 times for eight wins. He had his first start at Bathurst last week and finished strongly to win by a head in 30.02. He has recorded a fast 29.77 at Wentworth Park but doesn't possess blistering early speed. He's never been unplaced from box six and appears to like the outside.

7. Asia's Babe – Raymond Gold

Asia's Babe has won just two races from twelve starts, with one of those wins coming at Bathurst over 520 metres in 29.97. However, the black bitch by – Kenso Rain has shown good from since stepping up to 500 metre racing. She started her career as a sprinter and has had just three starts over the 520 at Bathurst for a win, a second and a third. She finished a strong third behind Zipping Gilbert last week, beaten seven and a half lengths. She is yet to win from an outside box and this race will be a test against other runners that have already proven themselves in city class racing, but if experience at the track counts for anything, she ticks that box as she has raced entirely at Bathurst so far in her career.

8. Crash Model – Keith Waddington

Crash Model led from box one last week, but now makes the switch to box eight. She hasn't won from the pink and may struggle to cross the speedy Clair Vision at the first turn. The black bitch by Collision – Clay Model scrapes in at a tiny 24kg, so she needs to lead to be any sort of chance. She was run down last week after leading to finish third in her heat.

 

The reserves are Aurora Girl for Raymond Gold and Premier Mozz for . They will both need some luck in the early stages of the race if they gain a start.

As far as the race goes, Clair Vision (3) is a consistent beginner with blistering early speed and looks the leader from the suitable draw. She has plenty of race experience and has recorded sub 30 at the track. King Cobber (6) has impressed in his short career and is likely to improve after his first start at the track last week so look for him to run a place. Other chances appear to be Zambora Magic, who has drawn well in box two, fastest heat winner Zipping Gilbert (1) and Bathurst specialist Knot Telling Ya (5). The smokey in the race is Asia's Babe (7). She hasn't done a thing wrong since stepping up to the 520 metre trip at Bathurst. She also knows the track well as she has done all her racing at the Bathurst circuit.

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AaronC
AaronC
10 years ago

If discussing money please spare a thought and some coins for Gus?