Godolphin Happy With ATC Cup Duo

Godolphin have both Malice and Gallatin in the 2014 ATC Cup field and Racing Manager Jason Walsh is happy with both gallopers heading into the Listed event this weekend.

Malice is set to start the 2014 ATC Cup as favourite. Photo by: Steve Hart

Malice is set to start the 2014 ATC Cup as favourite. Photo by: Steve Hart

Malice started his 2014 Spring Racing Carnival back in August and has performed consistently in his five race starts; with the Teofilo gelding taking winning form into the ATC Cup after he scored a narrow win over Midsummer Sun in the Cellarbrations At Valentina Handicap (1900m) at Rosehill Gardens on November 15.

Walsh told Racing Ahead this morning that Malice has held his form extremely well during the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival and believes that the four-year-old is Godolphin’s best winning chance in the ATC Cup.

“Malice is in great form and he has had a really good prep for us,” Walsh said.

“2000 metres is probably ideal for him.

“I’m not sure that he wants too much further, but he had good form in the autumn in the Packer Plate that that trip and he is in great order.

“He has held his condition and he has a great constitution, so I see no reason why he can’t retain his form and that would make him the better chance of our two with Gallatin resuming.”

Gallatin performed inconsistently in his four race starts during the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival and he was sent for a brief freshen up after he finished a close fourth behind Deane Martin in the Group 3 Colin Stephen Quality (2400m) at Rosehill Gardens on September 27.

Walsh said that he expects Gallatin to take plenty of benefit from his run in the ATC Cup, but revealed that he would not be surprised if the Street Cry gelding produced a strong effort first-up over 2400 metres.

“2000 metres is right up his alley,” Walsh said.

“We gave him a brief freshen-up and he has had a very nice barrier trial.

“He will definitely come on for the run, but he is forward enough to show us something now and a bit of freshness in his legs should just help him show a bit more of a turn-of-foot at the end there tomorrow.

“Hopefully he can kick on through the summer months in a few of the staying features.”

Malice is currently favourite in the 2014 ATC Cup betting market with Ladbrokes Australia, while Gallatin is available at a quote of $8.50 to record his first race win since he took out the Tulloch Stakes.

About The Author

Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.