It’s been 18 long years since NSW has tasted victory in the Group 1 Sandown Cup (715m) but the near two-decade long hoodoo could well come to an end tonight at Sandown Park.
Representing NSW in the $175,000-to-the-winner finale are proven big race performers Cawbourne Magic and Zipping Orlando which have been installed equal $3.70 favourites for Victoria’s premier staying event.
And if either prove successful it will land NSW its first win in the race since the heroics of outsider Best Quoted for the late John Mooney way back in 2005.
Cawbourne Magic, an impressive 41.81 heat winner, will be eyeing a breakthrough group 1 victory at his fifth time of trying for NSW’s number one trainer Andy Lord.
The big striding son of Fernando Bale has been knocking on the door for a group 1 success, runner-up in the Bold Trease last November before finishing third in the Zoom Top earlier this year.
Box draw for next Friday night’s Group 1 @sportsbetcomau#SandownCup Final at @sandowndogs ????????
1️⃣ UNTAPPED
2️⃣ CAWBOURNE MAGIC
3️⃣ MORAINE SUZIE
4️⃣ KORDA
5️⃣ FIRST PICKED
6️⃣ OSPREY ATHENA
7️⃣ DIRT FARMER
8️⃣ ZIPPING ORLANDOReserves
9️⃣ ALFIE MOON
???? PALAWA KING
#GreyhoundRacingpic.twitter.com/U2DaAyYcfy— WatchDog Racing (@WatchDogRacing) May 18, 2023
Both Victorian defeats were at the hands of Wagga stayer Stagger Out Lee, currently sidelined with injury.
And while a group 1 triumph eludes Cawbourne Magic, the same can’t be said for Zipping Orlando, which won the Association Cup in emphatic fashion on Easter Saturday at Wentworth Park.
But while the Association Cup carried group 1 status and didn’t boast the eye-watering $500,000 purse connections netted when the son of Zipping Garth annexed the world’s richest staying race, The 715, at The Gardens two starts back.
Trained by John and Minnie Finn, Zipping Orlando will exit box eight for tonight’s Sandown Cup test, the only draw he’s yet to win from during his decorated 28 start career.
Leading the local contingent in Sandown Cup betting at $4 is defending series champion Untapped for Dustin Drew.
If successful, it would prove a fitting swan song to racing for the prolific winning stayer, which launched her career with limited expectations.
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Best: Big Energy
Race 3, box 4
The former West Australian’s form has been sublime since arriving in the Greenough kennel. After blowing the start in his Victorian debut, he’s now won five on the spin by an average of six lengths. His 28.93 win here three starts back was flawless, as was his heat win (29.18) last Sunday. Will be short but it’s his race to lose.
Next Best: Zulu Blast
Race 2, box 2
Usually reluctant to pick a best bet in a maiden final – especially one so short – but Zulu Blast looks a cut above. Not brilliant out of the boxes in his heat or semi but will appreciate a low draw here and should get a clear run early and show his dominant second half.
Value: Alfie Moon
Race 6, box 1
Missed it a step in a heat of the Cup last week and was left a little flat footed but worked into the race well. Had he not got held up at a crucial stage he’d likely be running in the Cup final instead of the group 3 support race. Looks a lock for the trifectas.
Each Way: Korda
Race 8, box 4
On the surface box four looks awkward but given the lack of speed in boxes two and three should find himself in the box seat through the first turn. Finished off strongly last week after settling forward early and a repeat effort will have him thereabouts and looks a good each way play at around the $7 quote.
Quaddie: 24568 / 123 / 1 / 12348 = 66.67% for $50