The abandonment of last weekend’s Doomben program means that we will now be treated to three Group 1 features in Brisbane on Saturday, including the rescheduled Doomben Cup.
A new barrier draw has taken place and the Doomben Cup will now be contested over the 2100m course at Eagle Farm, but the same field has accepted, including Zaaki.
Doomben Cup – Winner
No. 1 Zaaki
I don’t think the delay or the small rise in trip will be an issue, and it would take a far braver man than I to tip against Zaaki in the Doomben Cup.
He gave them a galloping lesson in a dominant win here last year and he has only continued to improve with each prep since, winning another two Group 1 features and most notably, the All-Star Mile.
This week he steps out in peak order following a win in the Hollindale Stakes and with James McDonald in the saddle again, there really is no reason why Zaaki can’t defend his crown.
Doomben Cup – 2nd
No. 4 Kukeracha
Kukeracha looks to be the one that could trouble Zaaki, particularly over the slightly longer trip, but he’d need everything to go right in a career-best performance.
The Night Of Thunder gelding enjoyed a competitive three-year-old campaign and ended his prep with a maiden win at the highest level in the Queensland Derby.
He hasn’t returned to those same highs during his four-year-old prep (so far), but he did win the Tails Stakes here at Doomben two starts back and kept all of his best work for late when third behind Zaaki in the Hollindale.
He steps out this week in peak order, and looks a bit of value at Doomben Cup odds of $15 (at publish).
Doomben Cup – 3rd
No. 2 The Chosen One
The Chosen One has been freshened since finishing down the order in the Sydney Cup and he should relish the conditions of the Doomben Cup 2022.
The Savabeel entire has been a notable performer in some of Australasia’s best races throughout his career, including the Melbourne Cup, and he finally broke through for an elusive Group 1 victory in the Thorndon Mile at Trentham back in January.
Since then, he’s placed in a further three Group 1 races and he adds some real value to our Doomben Cup trifecta at a double-figure quote.
Doomben Cup – 4th
No. 9 Polly Grey
Polly Grey returned one of the performances of her career to almost knock off Zaaki in the Hollindale Stakes, but I don’t think that she’ll be quite as sharp in the Doomben Cup.
The Azamour mare has been a great horse for the Waller yard since arriving in Australia, and she’s picked off some nice feature races along the way.
I do like the booking of Timmy Clark and Polly Grey is clearly more than capable of returning another good effort this week.
Doomben Cup Suggested Bets
- 6 Units straight out #1 Zaaki
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections above