The cricket and the Sydney To Hobart typically take precedence, but there’s a quality eight-race program slated for Randwick on Boxing Day, headlined by the Group 3 Summer Cup (2000m).
Won by subsequent two-time Group 1 champion Fierce Impact in 2018, the Summer Cup clearly isn’t a sub-par race and a decent field of ten has been confirmed for this year’s edition.
My 2019 Summer Cup Tips can be found below.
Suggested Bets
- 3 Unit straight out #3 Luvaluva
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below
Luvaluva has returned three gallant efforts this time and the Summer Cup looks an ideal race for her. The five-year-old daughter of Mastercraftsman finished second behind the talented Greyworm when resuming in late October and has since finished on the placegetters’ heels in the Group 2 Hot Danish and The Gong. I like that she’s had a trial in the lead-up to this race and there’s no doubt that she’ll relish getting out to the 2000m.
Sir Plush has returned several pleasing efforts recently and looks up to a big performance in the Summer Cup. The Pins gelding was caught in a tricky position in The Gong two back but run on well to finish better than midfield and was last seen hitting the line for a close second behind Niccanova in the Listed Brisbane Handicap. He’s another horse that seems to be crying out for the 2000m.
Alward has returned to decent form this time in and can fight out the finish of the Summer Cup at a nice price ($8.50 at publish). The Chris Waller-trained son of Aqlaam was outstanding when he first arrived in Australia, but his form went out the window for a few preparations and his best appeared to be behind him. Fast-forward to the spring to this year, however and the decision to send him to Brisbane has paid dividends. He’s finished outside the places once in his last five appearances, which included a smart win in the Listed ATC Cup. He’s rock-hard fit and can fight out the finish again.
It wouldn’t be a black type race in Sydney without a Gai Waterhouse-trained entrant and Taikomochi looms as a live chance of winning this race and nice Summer Cup odds. The Snitzel gelding finished third in the Listed Ladies Day Vase when resuming at Hawkesbury in November; progressing to a fair effort in The Gong before placing third behind Alward in the ATC Cup last time out. He harbours further improvement and looks ready to perform.