In Brief
- Sir Simon has speed and stamina to win Longford Cup.
- Tempo all imprtant in Cup.
- Keys keen on La Dernier Fille.
Gallant grey gelding Sir Simon looks set to capture his biggest win when he steps out as the likely favourite in tomorrow’s Longford Cup on New Year’s Day.
The Longford Cup is the feature race on the seven-event card that celebrates the only meeting held each year on one of the oldest operational racetracks in Australia.
The Scott Brunton-trained six-year-old looms as the horse to beat given his ability to race on the speed or lead and he has plenty of stamina that should enable him to run out a strong 1800m.
Connections targeted the Longford Cup some time back and while a beaten favourite at his most recent outing in Launceston over 1600 metres, he has the credentials to prove too strong for his rivals on Wednesday.
The 1800 metres at Longford should suit his racing pattern of leading and if that eventuates and rider Siggy Carr can get away with a couple of cheap sectionals, then the lightly raced son of Tickets will give the others something to catch.
Wesley Vale trainer John Keys is quietly confident his underrated six-year-old mare La Dernier Fille can turn the tables on Sir Simon from their last meeting.
La Dernier Fille (Troy Baker) winning a race in Launceston in November last year.
La Dernier Fille has had three starts this time in for a couple of minor placings with her first two outings over 1400 metres and the latest over 1620 metres in which she was third of four but had no luck at the business end of the race.
“It was a small field last start but she found all sorts of trouble getting a run in the straight, so we just have to put a line through that run,” Keys said.
“This mare gives you her best shot every time she goes around, so our expectations are always high when she is in a race that is winnable.
“We gave her a jump-out on the Longford track a short while back and she handled it well and she has drawn a lovely barrier (3), so there’s no reason why she won’t be right in it at the finish.”
Le Dernier Fille is only lightly raced having had 12 starts for four wins and three minor placings.
Settler’s Stone is top weight with 59kg and his presence in the race only comes about due to him missing a start in the Sheffield Cup last Sunday week, that was to be his main lead-up to next week’s Devonport Cup.
His trainer John Blacker also has Magnasa and Triple Strip engaged with Triple Strip arguably his best chance given she has drawn gate two and is looking for the 1800-metre trip.
The Rowan Hamer-trained Aspirate was set for the race some time back and he gets in with a light weight of 52 kilograms courtesy of a 2kg allowance for apprentice Scarlet So, dropping 9kg from his win over 1350m in Devonport on 22 December.
Watch Sir Simon finish second to Shady Hustle at his most recent outing in Launceston.