The 2024 Australian Cup might have a diminutive final field numbers-wise, but the excitement is anything but diminished with a host of weight-for-age stars including the past two All-Star Mile winners Mr Brightside and Pride Of Jenni renewing their rivalry.
Mr Brightside is favourite to return to winning form in Flemington’s Australian Cup 2024 this weekend. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
Flemington prepares to host this iconic $3 million Group 1 race on Saturday, and racing fans are in for a treat.
Leading the charge is the popular Mr Brightside, trained by the team at Lindsay Park.
Currently the favourite at $2.35 through Ladbrokes, the son of Bullbars aims to bounce back from his All-Star Mile defeat when unable to defend his title in the event and secure his third win from four starts this season.
The consistent gelding has a strong record this prep with Group 1 victories in the Orr Stakes and Futurity Stakes, but faces his last-conqueror Pride Of Jenni over a longer distance (2000m) now.
Craig Williams remains in the saddle for Mr Brightside, who has drawn ideally at barrier one.
Can Ciaron Maher‘s mare, Pride Of Jenni, extend her winning streak?
At $3 in Australian Cup betting markets she poses a strong threat.
The six-year-old daughter of Pride Of Dubai showcased her brilliance in the All-Star Mile with a two length victory and is now out to add to her impressive Flemington record that includes victories in the Empire Rose and Cantala Stakes at the highest level in the spring.
Partnered again by jockey Declan Bates, she boasts undeniable talent and could overcome the step-up in distance based on current form.
While the Mr Brightside-Pride Of Jenni battle takes centre stage, several other horses have genuine claims.
Chris Waller‘s Group 1 winning mare Atishu sits at $6 with Blake Shinn in the saddle.
She boasts a top record at Flemington over the 2000m distance, having won both the Matriarch Stakes and Champions Stakes convincingly.
The reigning champion, Cascadian, is out to defend his title for Godolphin at $8.50 with Ben Melham aboard.
The veteran gelding has shown good form this preparation with a close third in the All-Star Mile last start despite being a rising 10-year-old.
Finally, the New Zealand visitor Legarto, trained by Ken & Bev Kelso, shouldn’t be overlooked at $13 Australian Cup odds.
With Michael Dee in the irons, this four-year-old boasts a strong record, including a victory in the 2023 Australian Guineas and a recent Group 1 win in her home country.
Don’t miss the action! The 2024 Australian Cup is set for race eight at Flemington on Saturday (4:15 PM AEST).
2024 Australian Cup Field
| No | Last 10 | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight | Probable Weight | Penalty | Hcp Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 111222×112 | MR BRIGHTSIDE (NZ) | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Craig Williams | 1 | 59kg | 118 | ||
| 2 | 5213x7x943 | CASCADIAN (GB) | James Cummings | Ben Melham | 8 | 59kg | 114 | ||
| 3 | 60x02295x2 | VOW AND DECLARE | Danny O’Brien | Billy Egan | 9 | 59kg | 106 | ||
| 4 | 23x2319x46 | DOM TO SHOOT | Sean & Jake Casey | Mark Zahra | 6 | 59kg | 109 | ||
| 5 | 0311632×31 | YOUNG WERTHER (NZ) | Danny O’Brien | Damian Lane | 3 | 59kg | 106 | ||
| 6 | 8x48109x03 | ESTI FENY (HUN) | Matthew Smith | Jamie Mott | 4 | 59kg | 91 | ||
| 7 | 8x62611x21 | PRIDE OF JENNI | Ciaron Maher | Declan Bates | 7 | 57kg | 118 | ||
| 8 | Px52021x81 | ATISHU (NZ) | Chris Waller | Blake Shinn | 5 | 57kg | 114 | ||
| 9 | 1x310x1212 | LEGARTO (NZ) | Ken & Bev Kelso | Michael Dee | 2 | 57kg | 112 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
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