Andrew Gluyas undecided on Cranbourne Cup run for Air Assault after drawing wide barrier

SA trainer Andrew Gluyas is having second thoughts about sending Air Assault to Victoria for the Cranbourne Cup following the barrier draw.

Air Assault hits the line to win the John Letts Cup at Morphettville on Melbourne Cup Day. Picture: Racing SA

Victoria Derby-winning trainer Andrew Gluyas is undecided as to whether his six-time stakes winner Air Assault will tackle Saturday’s Cranbourne Cup after drawing barrier 18 in the $500,000 mile feature.

The son of Justify, who has an impeccable three-win record over the mile, was a commanding winner in the John Letts Cup (1800m) at Morphettville last start.

With a field of 16 set to run in the Cranbourne Cup, Air Assault would slide in to barrier 16 after scratchings with champion hoop Damian Lane booked to ride, but Gluyas may keep the gelding home if a mission from the extreme outside looks insurmountable.

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“He’s got tactical gate speed, we’ve just got to think about it a bit, it’s a pretty strong race,” Gluyas, who won last month’s Victoria Derby with Goldrush Guru, said.

“There’s some genuine Group horses there, we just have to think about it because there are options over the next couple of weeks for him.

“There’s a Group 3 1800m at Caulfield next week, the Ballarat Cup is after that the following Saturday, that’s 2000m, and similar conditions to the Cranbourne Cup.”

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Wherever Air Assault lands, the frontrunner is expected to give a bold sight after an emphatic return to form in the John Letts Cup after two unplaced runs at Morphettville and Caulfield.

“He’s well, he’s come through the John Letts in good order, we just need to work out which way we go about it,” he said.

“ (Last start) was great. Jason (Holder) rides him beautifully and rated him a treat. That tactical gate speed was on show there, Jason had the luxury of controlling the race – it was a good watch.”

It's too easy for Air Assault in the John Letts Cup for Victoria Derby-winning trainer, Andrew Gluyas 🚀 pic.twitter.com/xZ5zGngRO2

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While Gluyas may have one eye on Cranbourne on Saturday, there will be plenty of attention on Morphettville for Finals Day, with nine finals to be run and almost $1m in prizemoney on offer across the card.

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Gluyas has six runners accepted, including last-start winners Watchme Win (Gytrash Final), Seeking Stardom (Viddora Final) and Dreams Fulfilled (Rebel Raider Final).

Staying mare Arugamama (Skybeau Final), Lovely Lookin’ (Gytrash Final) and Pearl Adios (Happy Trails Final) have also accepted.

“Arugamama, I love her, she just missed the boat there on Saturday, I feel that she’s in-form now, but she’s drawn a little bit awkwardly as well,” Gluyas said.

“I’m just excited for the day really. It’s a good initiative from Racing SA to have these races on, we’re looking forward to enjoying the day.”

Originally published as Andrew Gluyas undecided on Cranbourne Cup run for Air Assault after drawing wide barrier