A speed battle is looming in the Group 2 $175,000 Magic Millions QTC Cup (1200m) at Doomben on Saturday with front runners That’s A Good Idea and Ball Of Muscle.
The small eight horse field is certain to provide some daring tactics the Peter and Paul Snowden trained That’s A Good Idea certain to go forward from the outside gate to take up a prominent position.
The QTC Cup could see a speed battle between That’s A Good Idea (pictured) and Ball Of Muscle. Photo by Steve Hart
But Peter Snowden said that he would leave it up to Hugh Bowman to decide if he has enough pace to match it with Ball Of Muscle who will jump from the inside gate with Glyn Schofield aboard.
“I will leave that up to Hugh,” Peter Snowden told Racenet.
“But he rode him positively to win at Scone so I would expect another positive ride.
“He’s a versatile sprinter though and we won’t want to be going toe-to-toe with Ball of Muscle so if that looks like the case then yes he could possibly take a sit – second, third or fourth.
“There is also Kuro who has some speed and even El Roca has pace on his day.”
That’s A Good Idea resumed from a spell to win the Listed $140,000 Arrowfield Ortensia Stakes (1100m) at Scone on May 16.
Bowman was aboard That’s A Good Idea that day and had the Flying Spur five year old out of the barriers like a rocket from gate fifteen and raced up to sit outside the leader, Zaratone.
The top Sydney jockey was then able to hold up That’s A Good Idea until well into the straight and he had enough in reserve to score a three quarters of a length win over the fast finishing Target In Sight and Atmospherical.
Ball Of Muscle is also an on pace runner and was always in the firing line when second to Srikandi in the Group 2 $200,000 SMEG Victory Stakes (1200m) at the Gold Coast on Anzac Day.
Warwick Farm trainer Joe Pride is doubtful if That’s A Good Idea will be able to cross his speedster, but says they can try at their own peril.
“I don’t think That’s A Good Idea will want to cross Ball Of Muscle,” Pride said.
“I would think Hugh will be content to take the sit.
“If they do want to match it up front with mine, it will be to their detriment.”
Pride will also saddle up three year old Kuro who raced on the pace last start with the blinkers on for the first when he won the Listed $100,000 IPG Connect Mick Dittman Plate (1200m) at Doomben on May 19
Craig Williams rode Kuro at Doomben last start and has retained the ride and they will jump from gate two.
Kuro has proven in the past that he has plenty of class and three starts back finished second to Sweet Idea in the Group 1 $400,000 Canadian Club Galaxy (1100m) at Rosehill on March 21.
In a tight betting market for the QTC Cup at Ladbrokes.com.au the stablemates Ball Of Muscle and Kuro share favouritism at $3.40 with That’s A Good Idea not far away at $4.
QTC Cup market order at Ladbrokes.com.au: $3.40 Ball Of Muscle, Kuro, $4 That’s A Good Idea, $9 Dances With Stars, $11 Office Bearer, $12 El Roca, $18 Falino, $31 Time To Plunder.
