The Tamworth Cup is the perfect way to finish the working week this Friday! With eight competitive events on the card, and a capacity crowd expected on course, this is one country meeting to add to the racing bucket list!
Tamworth Race 5
#2 Big Time Charlie
Big Time Charlie is knocking on the door! The Myboycharlie gelding savaged the line at Muswellbrook at his latest outing, and he meets similar opposition here. The 1400m suits the big framed four-year-old, and he should get the ideal position in the running line jumping from a middle gate. He looks ready to peak, and I expect further natural improvement to come.
Priding is racing consistently. The Pride Of Dubai filly is ready for the seven furlongs, and she should get a soft trip in transit from barrier four. She should be rock-hard fit at this stage of her preparation and ready to explode fourth-up from a spell.
Top End Mikki is running well without threatening. The five-start maiden is showing glimpses of her ability during races. However, she needs help to put all her good aspects together on the same day. Please be sure to watch for any late market support.
Suggested Bet: Big Time Charlie @ $3.70
Tamworth RACE 6
#8 The Affirmative
I am happy to stick with the in-form runner, The Affirmative. The No Nay Never mare has won her last two races convincingly, and she has had a little freshen-up leading into this event. The drop back to 1000m is advantageous, and she looks well placed and weighted in a moderate Benchmark 58. She can roll forward from the perfect inside draw, and if she is left to her own devices on top of the speed, she may show them a clean pair of heels.
Markwell Dreamer will start favourite despite needing to carry the grandstand and half the people in it. He has been racing well in a better grade and meets easier opposition on Friday. The apprentice claim is advantageous, and he has performed admirably over 1000m previously. The awkward barrier and his winning record are the primary concerns.
Minimal is racing in great spirit. The Vancouver gelding deserves his shot at this level, and he may prove hard to run down if he can find the front during the first furlong. He is tough and gritty, and if he can overcome the tricky gate, he can figure in the finish.
Suggested Bet: The Affirmative @ $7.50
Tamworth Race 7
#2 Banju
What a great edition of the Tamworth Cup!
Banju was brave on top of the speed last start at Rosehill. The Benfica gelding will appreciate the significant drop in grade, and he is too consistent to leave out of winning conversations. He has had a nine-week break leading into this event, and his recent eye-catching trial will have him cherry ripe for Friday. His record at the distance speaks volumes, and he handles all conditions. Over the odds!
Spangler will start favourite for the inform Kris Lees stable. The Starspangledbanner gelding won well at Randwick last start, and his form this campaign has been first-class. He stays at his pet distance, and if he can overcome the carpark draw, I expect him to figure. He is well weighted, and he deserves his shot at a decent race.
Cross Talk will have supporters despite jumping from barrier sixteen. The Gai Waterhouse polish must be respected, and his win second-up at Newcastle was convincing. He has had a teasing barrier trial leading into this event, and his record at the distance is excellent. The allocated weight and wide barrier are the primary concerns.
Suggested Bet: Banju @ $11.00
Tamworth Race 8
#3 Starliner
Starliner looks one of the better bets on a very competitive program. The Real Impact filly recently produced a sizzling barrier trial performance, and she looks well-placed dropping back in grade. Her first career campaign was impressive, culminating with a game effort in a stakes race. She looks talented, and she should be too good meeting easier opposition. The wide barrier draw is the primary concern.
Rura Penthe has been absolutely smashed in early betting. The Maurice gelding is ultra-consistent, and his last-start placing at Muswellbrook caught the eye of punters. The 1400m is advantageous, and he should get his opportunity to threaten from a middle gate.
Vain Rich is knocking on the door! The Danerich gelding has been racing well without winning, and he looks dangerous from an inside draw. The 1400m is ideal, and he is ready to produce a peak performance. The class rise is the biggest obstacle.
Suggested Bet: Starliner @ $2.45
