Ipswich Cup 2016: Michael Nolan hoping Jumbo Prince can help him emulate deeds of his father
MICHAEL Nolan would dearly love to emulate his father Paul as bargain buy Jumbo Prince finally gets to his grand final in Saturday’s Ipswich Cup.
MICHAEL Nolan would dearly love to emulate his father Paul as bargain buy Jumbo Prince finally gets to his grand final in Saturday’s Ipswich Cup.
Paul Nolan won the 1998 Ipswich Cup with Paul’s Folly and Michael has made a solid case to say Jumbo Prince can do the same on Saturday, despite the form guide telling punters he has finished down the track at his latest two starts.
“I think he’s a good stayer. He ran out of his skin when he went to 2000m last year,” Nolan said.
“This race has been planned for a long time and we’ve had to take the path of the Group 3 and Listed mile races to get here.
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“Those latest two were both hot miles. The cup is not as strong as that.
“He has a lot more in his favour (on Saturday). He’s drawn a barrier for one thing and I just think the tempo of this race will suit him a lot better now, as opposed to getting wide and a long way back.
“I think he’s entitled to another chance. I can’t fault his appearance and his work has been excellent.’’
Jumbo Prince was an $8000 yearling purchase who has won $577,000 for connections.
Nolan has a strong hand at the meeting, as he also saddles favourites Sir Donald (Race 3) and Upstart Pride (Race 4).
Sir Donald has been heavily backed this week but rival John Zielke said his form was suspect and he expected his filly Happy Event to win.
Nolan is not scared by Zielke’s prediction.
“I only worry about my own horses,’’ Nolan said. “If the ones he beat have failed, then so be it. I’m pretty happy with where my horse is at.
“Is he a $2 chance? Is he good enough to take the step to Saturday grade at his second start? I’ll let the punters determine that.
“I just know that his work since the debut win has been good, he has one alley and Jeff Lloyd was keen to retain the ride, which is always a good sign.’’
Nolan said if the flying grey Upstart Pride jumped on terms, he would lead again and be hard to beat.
“When he jumps he can really run time and I think if he pings the gates he will lead very easily,” he said.
“I am not worried at all about coming back to 1100m. He’s had three weeks between runs and this is his right distance range.
“He did have a lot of things in his favour from barrier three at Doomben, but he can negate the barrier if he jumps cleanly.’’
Originally published as Ipswich Cup 2016: Michael Nolan hoping Jumbo Prince can help him emulate deeds of his father
