Jockey Craig Newitt is hopeful that the expected quick tempo in the 2014 Australian Cup at Flemington tomorrow will give Foreteller an opportunity to score another upset win at Group 1 level.
Craig Newitt is chasing his second Group 1 victory on Foreteller in the 2014 Australian Cup at Flemington this weekend. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Lloyd Williams announced yesterday that both Green Moon and Mourayan would be ridden aggressively in the Australian Cup and Newitt believes that this will help generate a fast pace in the $1 million race.
Foreteller has performed well in both the Group 1 Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 8 and the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at the same venue a fortnight later and Newitt told Racing Ahead that the quick tempo and a return to Flemington will help the Dansili gelding in the Australian Cup this weekend.
“I think he is probably going better this preparation than he was during the spring and he had a great spring,” Newitt said.
“His two runs to date have been really good around the track that doesn’t suit him and he gets to Flemington, which he really enjoys.
“We are just hoping for a bit of speed and with Lloyd Williams coming out and saying that he is going to ride his two positive hopefully that will help generate a good, tough 2000 metres race.
“I’m sure that he will hit the line well.
“He will get back, it is his natural pattern to get back, and he will probably stalk the favourite into the race.
“He got a big scalp at Flemington last preparation and hopefully he can get another one this week.”
Foreteller has produced his best form over 2000 metres, winning the Group 3 David Jones Cup and Group 1 Ranvet Stakes over the trip, and trainer Chris Waller is happy to see the seven-year-old gelding back to his favourite trip.
Waller would not go as far to say that he rates Foreteller a winning chance in the Australian Cup, but believes that the veteran gelding has the ability to finish in the placings.
“This is the right distance for him and it will be a high pressure race; it is a small but select field,” Waller said.
“I can’t fault the way that he is going and he has worked well through the week.
“He is a place chance.”
Foreteller ($9) is currently on the fourth line of 2014 Australian Cup betting markets; with Melbourne Cup winner Fiorente ($2.20) a clear favourite from two-time Group 1 winner Shamus Award ($4.40) and Australian Guineas placegetter Thunder Fantasy ($8).
