Jockey Damian Lane draws barrier 15 aboard favourite King of Leogrance for $400,000 Adelaide Cup on Monday
Adelaide Cup favourite King of Leogrance, who will be ridden by hoop Damian Lane, remains well-backed at $2.50 despite drawing barrier 15 on Tuesday morning.
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Star jockey Damian Lane will have to weave some magic aboard favourite King Of Leogrance in Monday’s $400,000 Group 2 Adelaide Cup after drawing barrier 15.
The Danny O’Brien-trained stayer remains a dominant $2.50 favourite for the feature following his impressive Roy Higgins Quality win at Flemington last week that rocketed him to the top of betting markets.
“The Adelaide Cup market completely changed complexion on Friday when High Bridge and Hasta La War were both scratched form the Lord Reims Stakes,’’ Ladbrokes Tom Hackett said.
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“That left a gap at the top of the market and that was quickly filled by King Of Leogrance.
“His victory at Flemington was impressive and he looks as though he will relish the step-up to 3200m, so we are happy to have him as a clear favourite.
Despite drifting slightly after the barrier draw, the small field and King Of Leogrance’s superior turn of speed should help him offset a tricky barrier.
“We pushed him out slightly following the wide barrier draw, but we don’t think that the wide draw will be a huge issue over this staying trip,’’ Hackett added.
Last-start Launceston Cup winner Home By Midnight drew perfectly in barrier two while the biggest cheer at the barrier draw came when Strathalbyn-trained mare Eperdument drew perfectly in barrier one.
Hackett said the Launceston Cup winner appears to be flying under the radar despite having to carry to the top weight of 58kg.
“I think Home By Midnight might represent a bit of value at his current price,’’ Hackett said.
“There was plenty to like about his victory in the Launceston Cup and he is one of the fittest stayers in this race.
“He’s trained by Patrick Payne who has won this race before and the $13 on offer appeals to me,’’ he said.
Champion trainer Chris Waller will have two runners in the race, last year’s placegetter Naval Warfare ($26) who has drawn barrier eight with Dwayne Dunn to ride while Jye McNeil will ride Dabiyr ($7.50) who has drawn barrier 10.
Azurite will jump from the extreme outside gate for Murray Bridge trainer Michael Hickmott while his father John will saddle up Turf Man, drawn barrier three, the pair rated $101 chances.