In Brief
- Toorak Affair on trial for Cup start.
- Michael Trinder has yet to test mare beyond 1400m.
- Jockey shortage has impact on Sheffield Cup field.
In-form mare Toorak Affair will be out to stake her claim on a start in next month’s Devonport Cup when she takes on a top field in the Sheffield Cup over 1650m in Devonport on Sunday.
Toorak Affair delivered a brilliant effort to win a benchmark 84 handicap over 1400 metres in Launceston two weeks ago for what was her second win this time in but Sunday’s race is clearly her toughest test.
The Michael Trinder-trained mare has won over 1600 metres when in the care of Troy Blacker but since joining the Trinder stable, she has won three of her five starts and all have been over 1400m.
Toorak Affair has drawn superbly in gate two but her racing pattern suggests she will be allowed to drift back early and settle midfield with cover.
She was ridden last start by Anthony Darmanin but as he was committed to the Adam Trinder-trained Dothraki Princess, Daniel Ganderton has picked up the plum ride.
Golden Mile winner Underplay was expected to start favourite but the David Miller-trained gelding is an unlikely starter owing to Victorian apprentice jockey Jack Martin opting to forego the ride to spend time with family leading up to Christmas.
Miller said he was disappointed as he was only notified of Martin’s decision well after final acceptances were taken on Wednesday.
With jockey numbers low for the Sunday meeting, trainers John Blacker and Leon Wells also will struggle to start as they are yet to find jockeys for their runners.
Blacker has no rider for Magnasa and Triple Strip while Wells is without a rider for his major cups contender Gee Gee Fiorente.
With so many likely scratchings, first emergency Newhart will more than likely gain a start and he needs to win to ensure a start in the Devonport Cup as the Sheffield Cup winner gains ballot-free entry into the Devonport club’s showcase event on 8 January over 1880m.
Newhart will be ridden by Craig Newitt who declared at the end of Newhart’s last preparation that he was an ideal Devonport Cup prospect.
Watch Toorak Affair score an impressive win in Launceston three weeks ago.