Consistent mare Real Love looks the one to beat again in the Group 3 $125,000 Channel Seven Premier’s Cup (2200m) at Doomben on Saturday.
Real Love, above, is the one to beat again in the Premier’s Cup at Doomben. Photo by Daniel Costello.
The former Western Australian trained mare has raced at least once in each month since October last year and has won twice and been placed on five occasions from her last seven starts.
Real Love finished third in the Group 2 $500,000 Perth Cup (2400m) at Ascot on January 2 while under the care of Perth trainer Adam Durrant then at her first run for the Darren Weir stable ran third in a 2000m Handicap at Flemington on January 30.
The Desert King mare’s first win for Weir was two starts later in the Listed $120,000 3AW Roy Higgins Quality (2600m) at Flemington on March 5 with Brad Rawiller in the saddle and the leading Victorian jockey was also aboard last start when the pair combined for a win in the Group 3 $125,000 JRA Cup (2000m) at Doomben a fortnight ago.
Rawiller said that Real Love has held her condition remarkably and he can see the tough mare figuring in the finish again, especially after drawing barrier four in the twelve horse field.
“She’s in real good condition and I think she’ll be better from the other day,” Rawiller told racing.com.
“She looks well-placed so if I can give her a sweet run, which you’d expect from a good barrier, I think she’ll be hard to beat.”
“She’s drawn great and geez she was terrific the other day.”
“After the Adelaide Cup preparation it’s been a great job by the team at home – she basically hasn’t had a spell but you’d swear she has because she’s put back on weight and her coat is blooming.”
And amongst her hectic Autumn Carnival schedule, Real Love was able to run third to Purple Smile in the Group 2 $400,000 Adelaide Cup (3200m) at Morphettville on March 14.
Real Love was sent out as the $2.60 favourite when she won the JRA Cup and has been installed as the favourite again for the Premier’s Cup at $2.90 with Ladbrokes.com.au.
Toowoomba Cup winner Honey Toast is on the second line of betting at $4.80 just ahead of the Chris Waller trained Junoob at $5, Rudy at $6 and Index Linked at $6.50.
Premier’s Cup market order at Ladbrokes.com.au: $2.90 Real Love, $4.80 Honey Toast, $5 Junoob, $6 Rudy, $6.50 Index Linked, $19 Puccini, $21 Imperial Lass, $26 Benzini, $41 Instrumentalist, Walhaan, Lever Lever, $61 Jetset Lad.
