Tattersall’s Cup favourite Tucanchoo on hit and run mission

Up and coming stayer Tucanchoo is on a hit and run mission when he lines up in the Group 3 $200,000 Carlton Mid Tattersall’s Cup (2200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Tucanchoo, above, has been installed as the favourite for the Tattersall's Cup at Eagle Farm. Photo by Adrienne Bicknell.

Tucanchoo, above, has been installed as the favourite for the Tattersall’s Cup at Eagle Farm. Photo by Adrienne Bicknell.

Tucanchoo has won his last three starts and co-trainer Michael Hawkes said that he would be heading back to Sydney on Sunday morning, win, lose or draw.

“It will be a hit-and-run mission. He will be on the float back to Sydney on Sunday morning and we won’t be hanging around for the Caloundra Cup on Saturday week,” Hawkes said.

Tucanchoo has been working his way up through the classes and Hawkes said that the Pentire six year old has earned a shot at the Tattersall’s Cup which doesn’t look to be overly strong.

“He is a gelding by Pentire and they usually get better with time,” said Hawkes who trains in partnership with his father John and brother Wayne.

“The Tatt’s Cup isn’t overly strong and it looks a nice race for him with the minimum weight.”

Tucanchoo kicked off his winning run in a 2200m BenchMark 72 Handicap at Warwick Farm and then after a short break was able to win over 1600m in a Sandown BenchMark 84 Handicap on May 11 followed by a win in a 2000m BenchMark 84 Handicap at Randwick on June 11.

Tucanchoo has drawn barrier four in the eight horse field with Paul Hammersley talking over the reins from apprentice Koby Jennings.

Ladbrokes.com.au have installed Tucanchoo as the $3.40 favourite for the Tattersall’s Cup ahead of Brisbane Cup winner Benzini at $3.80 and the Chris Waller trained Junoob at $4.

Tucanchoo is on the minimum with 54kg and has a 4kg weight advantage over Benzini who has been handicapped with 58kg following his win in the Group 2 $300,000 Evergreen Turf Brisbane Cup (2400m) at Eagle Farm on June 11.

Market order for the Tattersall’s Cup at Ladbrokes.com.au: $3.40 Tucanchoo, $3.80 Benzini, $4 Junoob, $7 Malice, $7.50 Index Linked, $10 Gesemi, $26 Brave Ali, $34 Mr Lebrock.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.