Baster’s Loss is Avdulla’s Adelaide Cup Gain

Stephen Baster’s suspension has resulted in good news for Sydney jockey Brenton Avdulla who has picked up the key Adelaide Cup (3200m) ride on Lucky Angel.

Brenton Avdulla has picked up the ride on Lucky Angel (pictured) in the Adelaide Cup. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia.

Baster failed in his appeal against a 12-meeting suspension for careless riding during his Australian Guineas win aboard Ferlax, meaning he misses Saturday’s bumper Flemington meeting as well as Monday’s Adelaide Cup.

Avdulla revealed the news on twitter, clearly excited about obtaining the mount.

“I have been booked to ride Lucky Angel in the Adelaide Cup… Looks a very even race and I think she has a great chance,” Avdulla said.

Lucky Angel is currently an $11 chance for the $400,000 Group 2 staying test and heads into the race in strong form.

The Tony Vasil-trained mare will arrive in Adelaide on the back of a fourth-place finish in the Group 3 Hobart Cup and a second in the Group 3 Launceston Cup.

The consistent daughter of Redoute’s Choice has not finished worse than fourth in her past 15 starts.

A capacity 20-horse field will contest Adelaide’s biggest staying race for which Lucky Angel will carry 54kg from barrier one, five kilograms less than topweight Titch.

Favourite Tuscan Fire ($4.60) faces a tough ask of carrying 58.5kg from a wide barrier 16 position.

Also drawing poorly was local hope My Ex Mate (17) who won common lead-up the Group 3 Lord Reims Stakes at Morphetville on Saturday.

Kutchinsky ($6.50) soared into the second favourite’s position after winning the Listed Roy Higgins Quality at Flemington on Saturday and will start from barrier nine.

Perth Cup winner and Lord Reims Stakes runner-up Talent Show received barrier 11.

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