BUNBURY CUP DAY

The one thing that spending time in the country does for me is it enables me to have an extra hour or so free time early in the morning. This comes about from the body clock still ensuring that I am awake bright and early at 3.30am as usual however with sunrise not occurring until somewhere around 6.20am, there isn't a lot I can do as far as working horses is concerned until then. As I sit here looking out the window it is hard to even make out the white rail fences let alone see any movement out in the paddocks. With my head trying to work out what might happen in the Cup this afternoon I figured it is as good a time as any to put a few words together.

I have said on a number of occasions lately that there is very little separating my two runners GUYNO and ALMOHAD in the race today. One is a proven big race performer who has earned his top weight. The other is an up and coming young horse who is likely to reach greater heights over the next season or two. The reality is that neither is at their very best today.

Both horses have been up for a long time. Both horses were at their peak some months ago when being set for bigger races and both horses are looking for a well deserved spell. All that said, both horses are still capable of winning today's race!!! The race today is likely to develop into a race of tactics with some cat and mouse riding styles coming to the fore. Who will lead? What sort of speed will be on? When will Danny make his move? Is there another wild card chance in the race? Has any runner from the Pinjarra Cup improved enough or gone backwards enough to make a significant difference?

The answer to all these things will become a lot clearer around 5.00pm this afternoon. From my point of view I cant get to worried about most of these things. My horses will be ridden by two of the states best riders and I am confident that they will be given every chance by them.

The Bunbury Cup is a race I really would love to win again, not having won it since back in the early 90's with HARD ACT. I have only had two runners in the race for a first and a second so I am looking forward to improving that record. I will be absolutely over the moon if either of my two runners can do the job today however I will not be too disappointed if today is not their day. Both have done me and the stable proud over the past few months and I know that all good things must come to an end at some stage. I am just hoping that it is not today!

I must get off my backside now and go and say good morning to the boys. I can just make out the fence rails outside and can hear some movement over at the stables. Happy punting today and may the best horse win.