WHILST it will be the last meeting on the synthetic surface of Tapeta Park this weekend until the Golden Mile program in December, it will be the start of a Devonport Cup preparation for two of last years runners.
Last seasons Devonport Cup winner Red Eagle and Longford Cup winner The Producer will begin their campaigns over the shorter distance of 1150 metres in a Benchmark 82 on Sunday.
Both six-year-old geldings came from in obscurity last season to win their respective cups and will begin their programs against a handy field of gallopers including Strutt Stakes winner Spinning Jenny, who could possibly join them in the field this year.
After last appearing in April, Stowport trainer Shirley Berger believes Red Eagle will take benefit from the run after a good break.
“He isn’t a horse that takes too much to get fit, but we will give him a good hit out on Sunday to see where he is at” Berger said.
Berger will then map out a program for her stable star for another shot at the $100,000 feature.
“I may have brought him back a bit early this time in compared to last year where I had the option to put him through his grades but we will find suitable lead ups to get him to where he needs to be come cup time” she said.
Longford trainer John Blacker may take the same route as last year with The Producer and defend his hometown cup.
After performing well in a variety of distances last preparation, Blacker will have options available to the promising stayer with biggest targets hopefully in mind during the summer.
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