Doomben Cup 2017: Articus finally lands with bonus rain forecast
PRE-POST punters overcame their first hurdle with the arrival of Articus in Queensland and according to connections, predicted rain will enhance his Doomben Cup chances.
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PRE-POST punters overcame their first hurdle with the arrival of Articus in Queensland on Wednesday and according to connections, predicted rain will enhance his Doomben Cup chances on Saturday.
If forecasts are right, Doomben could receive up to 30mm over the next two days, which will push the track into the heavy range after a Soft 5 was posted on Wednesday.
UBET’s Nick Curry said Articus was clearly the best-backed runner in the all-in market, firming from $16 to $4.40 before easing to $5 after Wednesday’s draw.
Stablemate Star Exhibit, who arrived with Articus on the same flight, was the second best backed runner in that market, but Hollindale winner It’s Somewhat has retained favouritism at $4.
Darren Weir’s stable representative Jarrod McLean said his Cup pair travelled well and were settling in nicely after the flight.
McLean said it’s hoped Weir’s other Doomben runners Amelie’s Star (Doomben Cup), Kenedna (Roses) and Ulmann (BRC Sprint) will arrive on Friday morning via another flight.
McLean reported Voodoo Lad, who had been a firmer in Stradbroke markets over the past fortnight, would not be making the trip to Queensland and would instead be spelled.
Part-owner Luke Murrell has stated Articus prefers soft or heavy ground, as evidenced by an easy win on a heavily rain-affected track at Saint-Cloud early in his career.
It’s Somewhat will be ridden by Godolphin’s jetsetting jockey James Doyle, who returns to Australia for his Queensland debut on Saturday.
Trainer Darren Beadman described It’s Somewhat’s barrier as “perfect” and reiterated his light preparation is a big advantage this weekend.
“He’s worked well and retained his fitness since winning at the Gold Coast. He galloped very nicely at the Gold Coast this week,” Beadman said.
Waller youngster on the march
CHRIS Waller strengthened his two-year-old carnival arsenal when Sambro won over 1400m at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
The Fastnet Rock colt firmed from $19 to $12 with UBET for next month’s J.J. Atkins.
Originally published as Doomben Cup 2017: Articus finally lands with bonus rain forecast
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