It doesn’t boast the status of some of its seasonal cousins, but the Listed Caloundra Cup is always a highlight of winter and another quality field of local and international stayers has been confirmed for Saturday’s feature on the Sunshine Coast.
Pulling it apart at first glance, we’ve got a Melbourne Cup fourth placegetter, a Group 1 winner and bulk black type quality. That’s a recipe for a little Saturday afternoon delight and boy, and I eager to get involved.
I’m bullish and my 2019 Caloundra Cup tips can be found below.
Suggested Bets
- 2 Units on the nose #1 Big Duke
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below
As soon as I typed ‘Melbourne Cup fourth placegetter’ above, I knew exactly what I’d be doing down here. Big Duke has been outstanding for several seasons since arriving in Australia and while that Group 1 crown has eluded him, he’s won many races far tougher than this one. He’s continued to build to the task this time but placed in both the Group 2 Brisbane Cup and Group 3 Tatt’s Cup at his two most recent appearances, and he is simply ready to win.
As soon as I typed ‘Group 1 winner’ above, I knew exactly what I’d be doing down here. Nah, but in all seriousness Sopressa is another horse that has continued to improve with racing this time and she looks the value in Caloundra Cup betting at a double-figure price ($13 at publish). She finished midfield in her first Queensland appearance (Brisbane Cup) last time but was unlucky to just be pipped late at Group 3 level two back and is rock-hard fit.
As soon as I typed ‘bulk black type quality’ above, I had no idea who I was going to land on down here. Mazaz has been a strong and consistent performer throughout his racing career and has returned several pleasing efforts this time, including a decent run for third in the Listed Winter Cup at Rosehill last time out. He’s drawn a treat and Chris Waller knows a thing or two about saddling the winner of a feature race.
French Import Saunter Boy has returned two pleasing efforts in Australia and looks ready to peak third-up in the Caloundra Cup. Having recorded plenty of great results in Europe, the six-year-old son of Myboycharlie debuted for fourth on the Gold Coast behind The Candy Man, before placing fifth in the Winter Cup last time out. He’s still got upside, as well as the notable advantage of Jeff Lloyd in the saddle.