3 minute read

Buckle up for what promises to be a thrilling Grafton Cup (2350m) this afternoon.

The Queensland and Sydney staying winter formlines come together with $150,000 on the line, and it looks like the Queensland form might just edge this one.

New Zealander Zennista was super in winning the Caloundra Cup (2400m) 12 days ago finishing 2.3L clear of the Italian import Voila Ici.

The two square off again today and Voila Ici enjoys a 2kg weight swing on Lisa Latta’s progressive mare. Whether or not it’s enough remains to be seen, and bear in mind the Italian grey hasn’t saluted in more than two years.

Nonetheless those two rate best in this one.

Joseph Pride’s Destiny’s Kiss is next best after back-to-back wins in Sydney, including the Listed Winter Cup 10 days ago.

That was on a heavy track which Destiny’s Kiss revels in like not many other stayers.

The track’s a little firmer today and he’ll need to improve again on that Winter Cup run to beat the top couple.

He still must be respected though.

Victorian Mr O’Ceirin is the wildcard.

He was a huge winner just two starts back at Moonee Valley but failed there 12 days ago beaten almost 10 lengths.

He can bounce back, so it might just pay to keep him safe.

1. Voila Ici – Has failed to win a race since coming to Australia, the most recent coming 760 days ago. Runner up in the Caloundra Cup and place looks best again.

2. Zennista – Followed up two placings with a much deserved win last start in the Listed Caloundra Cup. Good record over this trip and will be hard to hold out once again.

3. Fiumicino – Runner up behind stablemate Destiny's Kiss in the Winter Cup last start and despite meeting him better at the weights looks unlikely to turn the tables. Each way.

4. Destiny’s Kiss – In good form of late and comes into this on the back of a last start win at Rosehill in the Winter Cup. Will fund this a tougher task and has drawn wide but on recent efforts looms as a danger.

5. Mr O’Ceirin – Good win two starts back at Moonee Valley but was unable to go on with last start when well held at the same C/D. Overraced on that occasion so blinkers off should suit. Can bounce back.

6. Reuben Percival – Ran fifth both times since resuming, the last time over 2400m. Will need to show more than what he produced in latest.

7. Peal Of Bells – SCRATCHED

8. Shenzhou Steeds – Has been far from disgraced in recent times but still needs to improve on his Caloundra Cup effort to be in the finish of this. Drawn wide and place best.

9. Anagold – SCRATCHED

10. Devised – Recent form has been solid, most recently finishing fourth at Randwick in latest. Tougher here though and likely to need improvement if he is to threaten in this.

11. Saint Encosta – Well beaten in the Brisbane Cup last start and doesn't look one of the major players.

12. Raeburn – Beaten 2.9L in the Tatt's Cup last start. Has failed to win a race in 928 days and is unlikely to change that here.

13. Yulalona – Was made look second rate behind Destiny's Kiss last start who he faces again here. Has been a shadow of his best for a while now and Synthetic Hoof Filler going back on is another concern. Passing.

14. Zar Zar Binks – In good form winning his last two starts, the most recent in easier at this course. Untried at the trip and not sure he has the class to play a role here.

15. Dazzle Us – Out-of-form gelding. Doubt he can threaten.

16. Piazza San Pietro – Five-year-old gelding who has been racing consistently well this campaign in easier. Tougher today though and has just the minor claims.

17. Trajet – Won three starts back but has been only moderate in two runs since. Happy to oppose on recent form.

18. Handsome Dane – SCRATCHED

19. Phrases – Put two wins together before stepping up in grade to run seventh at Rosehill last start. Back up quickly and has just the rough claims.