BIG6 Hunter Cup draw – from the horse's mouth

02 February 2011
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Im Themightyquinn is likely to start favourite in the Group 1 BIG6 Hunter Cup

Im Themightyquinn is likely to start favourite in the Group 1 BIG6 Hunter Cup

1) Village Of Dreams: “I think if you did a straw poll of most drivers they’d be happy to draw one and in a race like this where we’ll need to take as many short cuts as possible to earn, one’s ideal really. His best chance of being a major player was always going to be if he got a cheap run and as long as we step safely now, there’s every chance that’s what we’ll get.” – Gavin Lang, Driver

2) Power Of Tara: “He’s got very good stand start manners so we’re very happy with the draw as you’d expect. It was a huge run last week to take Stunin Cullen into the race and only get caught by him in the last stride, given the fact that horse is one of the fastest in Australasia so we’re really happy with the draw, really happy with the horse and just looking forward to a great race.” – Brendan Hill, Trainer

3) Make Mine Cullen: “We’re quite happy with where she’s lobbed. She’s really improved at each of her stand start runs and she stepped very fast at Shepparton last time, so we expect to be in a close proximity to the lead here and if she can hold that position then it probably does give her the chance to win one a big race like this.” – Glenn Douglas, Trainer

4) Mister Swinger: “We’re very happy with the draw, now we’ve just got to hope that last week’s disappointing run was a blip on the radar and try to make use of it. We’re a bit at a loss what went on at Ballarat but the standing start should help him here and from that good gate if he can find his best he’ll be right around the money again for sure.” – Geoff Webster, Trainer

5) Our Chain Of Command: “He’s come a long way in a short time. His Tassie run was great, then he hadn’t raced for probably another six weeks before the other night and I’m pretty sure Dean will have him spot on for Saturday. He keeps answering every challenge and this is a big one, but I’m sure that he’s up to it.” – Chris Alford, Driver

6) Smiling Shard: “Anywhere from three to six was always going to be good for us, so we’re thrilled with the draw. He’s only had four starts from the stand and the last two he’s flown away so we think he’ll get every chance. It’s a big ask for a four-year-olds to come and take on these big boys in a Hunter Cup, but I’ve got a lot of faith in him and I’m as bullish as you can be that he’ll run a very forward race.” – Cran Dalgety, Trainer

7) Karloo Mick: “He’s going pretty good, I mean he won at Bathurst the other day and it was only the Oberon Cup, but he went two minutes for the 2500 metres after doing some work. He is a horse that can do some work in his races, so the draw won’t worry him. I know he’s 10, but I think he’s going as good as he’s ever gone.” – Barry Lew, Trainer

8) Karlsruhe: “I’ve only just got the call up for this drive with Chris (Alford) committed to Our Chain Of Command, but it’s always nice to get a drive in the big races, for sure. It’s a bit of an awkward draw but he’s a lovely old horse and he’s good off the stand so I’ll just be driving him for a bit of luck and hoping for the best.” – Luke McCarthy, Driver

9) Villagem: “The draw works out alright. We’re right behind Power Of Tara and if he can lead and we avoid any carnage at the start, it’s not too bad at all. I’ve always said this is the race that we set him for and he won’t be pulling this week. He’ll be right at his top, so if they’re good enough to beat him, well done, but it won’t be because he isn’t at his best.” – David Miles, Co-Trainer

10) Georgetown: “If you analyse his recent form, he really hasn’t been going badly at all. He’s always been good at the stand back home in New Zealand and when we’ve given him practice at it here, so we’re pretty positive. Of course it would have been nice to draw for a cheaper run, but he was very good at Ballarat and if the breaks go our way he’s in with a chance.” – Michael Langdon, Trainer

11) Christian Melody: “We’ve got to be realistic. We’re just rapt to be in the race and from where we’ve drawn Jodi (Quinlan) will just have to drive her for a bit of luck. She’s been great in all the Country Cups, but this is a step up again and I’ll just be thrilled to see her running home late.” – Craig Demmler, Trainer

12) Bold Cruiser: (1st Emergency)

13) Stunin Cullen: “The draw’s disappointing in the respect that he’s such a good beginner from the stand, but he’s a very versatile horse and it shouldn’t worry him too much. He’s always been one of the fastest horses over 200 metres and as he’s gotten older he’s gotten tougher too, so he’s just getting better and this is the race he’s been set for all along.” – Anthony Butt, Driver

14) The Sleepy Tripp: “After making a break at Shepparton we always knew he was outside the draw so there’s no surprise there, but we’re going to need a bit of luck in running based on his last couple of performances. We’ve had his blood taken but there’s nothing there to suggest why he’s been a bit down on his best, so all we can hope is he’s feeling good again and ready to put his best foot forward.” – Mark Purdon, Trainer/Driver

15) Im Themightyquinn: “They (the Hall camp) couldn’t be happier with him at the moment. He trialled on Sunday and ‘Senior’ said he just felt unbelievable. They compared him to the Victoria Cup and they reckon he’s going better, so they’ll definitely know he’s in the race. It’s going to be hard, we’ve got 13 others to get around at some stage, but he’s a great horse and this is a good horse’s race.” – Nathan Jack, Driver

 

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