2025 Scone Cup Day Tips & Preview

APOLLO RIDGE (4) looks to be the straight bat play in a very tricky maiden race to start. 

The Team Archibald gelding conceded only narrowly fresh at Wyong a few weeks ago over the same journey, leading for most of the way before Tiberius got the better of him along the rail. 

He’s performed okay on wet tracks so far and should have no issue finding the front again under Adam Hyeronimus from another soft gate in the first on Scone Cup Day 2025. 

BULLANT (14) stuck on well for third at Tamworth a few weeks ago, beaten just under a length over 1000m. 

The Winning Rupert filly really only hit top stride over the final 50m or so, improving through the line to suggest she’d handle further. 

She’s experienced on a wet track after running third in the Wellington Boot the start prior, and is likely to get a nice run into the race from barrier 3 again. 

SO REBELLIOUS (6) was far from disgraced on debut at Bathurst last month in the Gold Nugget, running on strongly for third once a gap opened up down the straight. 

Beaten only 1.89 lengths in the end, the colt by Rebel Dane closed the gap nicely approaching the line, a run that indicated there’s further scope for improvement. 

With the class of Jason Collett in the saddle now, he’s worth sticking with. 

PANTA RHEI (9) is an intriguing runner resuming for local trainer Justin Drake. 

This filly by Astern hasn’t done much in two leadup trials, but she did win on debut by a massive margin at Muswellbrook last November, before going on to finish a distant second to Sir Remlap here at Scone over the same distance. 

That horse went on to win a Highway race in town, so the form stacks up nicely here with the inside gate also to her advantage. 

CALTSAR (2) made it look easy winning on debut at Newcastle last month thanks to a brilliant steer by Ashley Morgan. 

The pair angled wide into the turn into the breeze, but that didn’t stop this pocket rocket from letting down with a strong turn of foot to go 1.5 lengths clear under hands and heels. 

This is tougher again with another wet track on the cards, but down 1kg and drawn to get another perfect run from midfield, I think she’s ready to handle the mile. 

SPEEDY HENRY (17) gets in nice and light coming off a tougher run at Randwick last start where she was thrown in the deep end a little up in grade. 

The race was worth a thought after she won first-up by 2.6 lengths here on her home track, but I think the step back to 1000m went against her after she was seen weakening badly, beaten over three lengths. 

This is a big step up now to 1300m, but back in familiar surroundings with Reece Jones sticking, I think she’s one of the better chances with conditions to suit. 

WEST OF AFRICA (8) is deep into his prep, but he continues to race well for Team Archibald and connections. 

The Not A Single Doubt gelding has cashed a cheque in each of his last three starts, returning from a brief four-week let-up to contest the Tamworth Cup a few weeks ago, where he was beaten only half a length. 

He’s drawn the carpark, but his form over the mile really stands out, and he likely won’t know himself carrying 55.5kg.  

FLORINO (11) presents fitter second-up for Cameron Crocket. 

By Japanese galloper Mikki Isle, this lightly-raced five-year-old gave a solid effort for third fresh at Bathurst last month, a race he can only improve on as he sticks to 1400m here with less weight. 

He’s got the class of Nash Rawiller piloting this time and is likely to adopt a forward position early in running.