Journalists Wandering Eyes Posted March 27 Journalists Share Posted March 27 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. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post 2024 Australian Cup Showdown: Mr Brightside vs. Pride Of Jenni appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.