Captains Knock leading the field in the TAB Gold Rush Cup. Photo by Brett Atkins
Could the tight and challenging Albury track be the biggest hurdle for Captains Knock in his pursuit of a clean sweep of the Carnival of Cup series?
He goes into Friday night's Murray Cup having won the first three legs of the series, just as champion pacer Swayzee had done when he lined up for round four at Albury last year.
He came from the back row – as Captains Knock will do – and was unable to get to the lead, sitting outside Captain Hammerhead before missing that rival by a neck to thwart his hopes of landing the $1million bonus on offer for a clean sweep.
His driver Cam Hart said at the time Swayzee struggled with the tight track, particularly the corners, and it proved a major factor in his defeat.
The track though looks the only niggle for Captains Knock who has been dominant through the series for far.
He again worked to the front and dictated when winning the third leg at Bathurst, a victory that has assured his connections of taking home at least $250,000 in bonuses whatever the result in the final two rounds.
It's been a while since Captains Knock started from the second line but he came from there to beat topliner Don Hugo in the opening round of the series at Wagga.
The 2570m of the Murray Cup also holds no fears as he won over a similar trip to this in the next leg at Newcastle, the only time he attempted this distance range.
Trainer-driver Brad Hewitt knows this horse so well now and has him at the peak of his powers. He looks the standout again.
His biggest challenger – aside from the track - could come from within his own stable in Horn Player.
He drew wide and was well beaten when resuming at Menangle but is much better than that having shown good form last time in including a G3 Caduceus Classic win at Melton. Expect a much better showing.
Petes Said So has shown some consistency of late, adding to a string of top-four finishes when third from the back row last start at Newcastle.
He looks a trifecta hope along with Whereyabinboppin who hinted he may be getting back to form with a close second from the back row at Wagga last week.
The Murray Cup is supported by the TAB Regional Championships Fast Pass with early betting suggesting a tight three-way tussle.
The winner of this race will gain entry into the $150,000 Regional Championships Final at Menangle in May and it is a prize that has caught the attention of Menangle trainer Jason Grimson who is sending Protagonist to Albury.
His gelding was dominant when second-up at Newcastle last week, leading and cruising home by close to 10m. He draws wider and steps up in grade but that last hitout should have brought him to his peak and he is a talent.
Oakie Smokeshow Is a lightly-raced but promising gelding yet to miss the top-two. He made a winning return at his latest appearance at Menangle, overcoming a wide barrier and getting home by 5 metres.
His draw on the back row presents a challenge but he won his only previous second-up attempt so should be further improved and is a danger with even luck.
Miki Be Good came from the back row and was only 1.4m behind handy mare Precise at Goulburn last start. He gets barrier three having led from there and cruised home at Junee prior so the draw works in his favour.
