Winter Cup - 27 remain
Winning Edge Presentations sponsored race includes two late entries
Twenty-seven horses remained in contention for the Winning Edge Presentations 121st Winter Cup over the 1600 metres when second acceptances were released on Wednesday 18 July 2018.
This number included two late entries TWOZNOTENOUGH for trainers Les and Richard Didham and FINBARR trained by Gay Robinson.
Last years winner NASHVILLE (pictured) remains in contention to defend his crown and six other participants in last years race are also planning a return this year including the fourth place-getter PLATINUM COMMAND. PLATINUM COMMAND also finished second in 2016.
ELFFE, who ran sixth last year, is set to provide her owner a bonus payday of an extra $25,000 should she win the $100,000 feature having won the Crombie and Price Oamaru Cup on Sunday. The Oamaru Jockey Club has put up that bonus for any horse capable of winning both southern winter feature metric miles. Form from the Oamaru feature will have a bearing on the Winter Cup with minor place-getters STOKERS ROCK, FINBARR and THE GORDONIAN all entered.
THE GORDONIAN won the 1800 metres Christchurch Casino Winter Classic on the third day of the Grand National Racing Carnival last year and is attempting the shorter race this year.
2015 winner TIMY TYLER, who ran fifth at Oamaru on Sunday, and TAURUS who ran third in 2016 are two others looking to bring past form back this year.
STROLLING VAGABOND, winner of the Benchmark Rating 85 over 1800 metres at New Plymouth on Saturday, RED SIERRA winner of a similar rated race over 1200 metres at Trentham and Whyte Handicap winner DEZ are inform contenders.
The number of entries for the Group 3 Riccarton Park feature reduced by one to 26 after the weekend with the withdrawal of DEALS IN HEELS on Monday. RED SIERRA remains the current favourite at $5 with DEZ and SHE’S POPPY on the next line at $6.
Final withdrawals close on Wednesday 1 August 2018.
For further information contact Jim Langan, Racing Manager 336 0052 or Tim Mills, Chief Executive 336 0050
