Hawkesbury Gold Cup Looks Like a Lottery

With Big Dance eligibility on the line, Saturday's $250,000 Gr3 Hawkesbury Gold Cup (1600m) sees an open field of 16 final acceptances headed by impressive last start winner Punch Lane (So You Think-Cybercyn, by Staaraq). Winning in dominant fashion by more than four lengths, the Anthony and Sam Freedman trained 5YO gelding was a winner of the Listed Glasshouse Handicap back in July 2024 and has gone winless in his subsequent starts until last Saturday's performance. Needing to step up to Gr3 class against a host of seasoned stakes performers, now that he's found form, there is no reason he can't continue it. Dropping back from her last start Gr3 victory over 1900m in the Epona Stakes, the C J Waller trained Mare of Mt Buller (Dundeel-Aliberani, by Redoute's Choice) has always shown promise and if the drop back in trip poses no issues, then down in the weight with just 53kgs on her back could see a forward showing. A stablemate of the mare, the 5YO gelding Ospienko (Pierro-Raskova, by Henrythenavigator) is a very interesting runner. Carrying 59kgs last start in the Gr1 All Aged Stakes, when beaten just over four lengths appears to be a good form line here with the stakes winner set to drop to 57.5kgs, any market moves for him should be followed. Yet to win at the trip, the Sara Ryan trained Matcha Latte (Maurice-Wayward, by Redoute's Choice) comes into the race off the back of two solid winning performances and with just 53.5 on his back, the stakes placed gelding should not be overlooked.