The Australian Pacing Gold Grand Circuit action springs back into gear this weekend.
The $400,000 TABTOUCH WA Pacing Cup at Gloucester Park is the first major event for 2015 and has drawn together a very even field.
A field of 12 has been assembled and interestingly, there is no eastern states representation in the state’s biggest event for the second straight year.
The WA Pacing Cup is steeped in rich history as its one of the oldest features on the calendar, the first edition staged way back in 1913 before gaining Grand Circuit status in 1977.
The honour roll features a litany of champion names like Pure Steel, the inaugural winner once the race was elevated to Grand Circuit status and one of only two horses to win the great race a record four times – the other being the incomparable Village Kid.
Other champions who have etched their name in Pacing Cup history include Gammalite, San Simeon, Preux Chevalier, Westburn Grant, Don’t Retreat, Just Too Good, Dainty’s Daughter and James Eden.
More recently, names like Our Sir Vancelot, The Falcon Strike, Washakie and Im Themightyquinn stand tall above all others.
Following the barrier draw, the race has been thrown into further confusion with several big name performers drawing awkwardly in the 2936m feature.
Defending champion Hokonui Ben has been slammed with a shocking draw, gate 12, the outside of the second-line leaving his trainer/driver Aldo Cortopassi with few options.
David Hercules, the latest member of the millionaire’s club following his all-the-way victory in last week’s Fremantle Cup has also drawn poorly and will start alongside Hokonui Ben on the second-line in gate 11.
Leading trainer Gary Hall prepares five runners and all have landed favourable front-line draws, Northview Punter (gate 1), Toretto (gate 3), Soho Jackman (gate 4), Soho Highroller (gate 5) and My Hard Copy (gate 7).
Hall is chasing his 9th Cup success and his 5th straight after winning with recently retired champion Im Themightyquinn (2011/12/13) while he also prepared last year’s winner Hokonui Ben.
Greg and Skye Bond are looking at claiming the first Cup winner and have Kiwi import Our Jimmy Johnstone engaged, the impressive last start winner has drawn in the inside of the second-line but follows out good beginner Northview Punter.
Copagrin, a placegetter in last week’s Fremantle Cup has drawn nicely in gate two and must be given a chance on current form while Bettors Fire is also in the mix after landing a front-line draw.
The Kyle Harper prepared gelding is a brilliant beginner and carries strong form lines including his victory in the Bunbury Cup three starts ago.
Second-line runners Pacific Warrior and Finbar Abbey will need luck but both have strong links to Cup history, legendary reinsman Chris Lewis takes the drive behind Pacific Warrior while Ross Olivieri prepares Finbar Abbey.
The Olivieri/Lewis combination claimed the 1999 WA Pacing Cup with star performer Saab.
The 2015 TABTOUCH WA Pacing Cup is scheduled as race 8 on the program; start time is 8.45pm local time.
