Backup big chance in cup

No turning back . . . Backup should be a safe beginner in tomorrow's Wyndham Cup. PHOTO: MATT SMITH
No turning back . . . Backup should be a safe beginner in tomorrow's Wyndham Cup. PHOTO: MATT SMITH
Matt Anderson believes a back mark of 20m holds no great fears for Backup in tomorrow's $17,500 Wyndham Cup.

  The 22-year-old junior reinsman is making the most of his association with the 4yr-old son of Art Major, winning twice from his six times in the sulky behind Backup.

The pair teamed up at Blenheim on January 25, winning the Marlborough Cup over 3200m and they are faced with the same staying distance tomorrow.

''They went 4 minutes on the second day so he's come back, regrouped and freshened up. He's pretty ready to run a good race come Saturday,'' Anderson said.

This year's Wyndham Cup has plenty of depth to it. Pulp Fiction is a leading hope from the front line, as is Provocative Prince, while Ted West and The Wrath Of Robyn are dangers from the 10m mark.

Backup's fellow backmarker, Sheeza Shark, is also in top form, after winning at Ascot Park last week.

Anderson expects the handicap to be overcome fairly quickly, however.

''The 20m probably isn't too much of a worry because he begins that good. He'll probably settle midfield at worst - his standing-start manners are a bit of a plus for him.''

Pulp Fiction's trainer, Tony Stratford, said the 3yr-old's manners should be fine without making a flying start.

''He'll begin safely without being first out so he's not going to be in the firing line early,'' Stratford said.

''He's very well, and we're happy with the horse.''

 A gear change could make a key difference for Motu Premier in the group 3 Kindergarten Stakes for the 2yr-olds.

The son of hot stallion Bettor's Delight was a good third on debut in the Sapling Stakes two weeks ago, but a shadow roll has been added to his gear to keep his mind on the job.

''He shied at something and went up in the air at Ashburton at the 350m mark and that cost him running second.

''He does have a bit of ability and he's definitely one of the smarter 2yr-olds we've got.''

Motu Premier led over the mile (1609m) at Ashburton, but Anderson said he was happy to watch the early fight before making a decision tomorrow.

''The instructions [at Ashburton] were to take advantage of the draw and drive him like the best in the race.

''He got off the gate so well at Ashburton - the lead time was 27.3 [seconds] - so he's shown he can get off the gate. But we've got options because he's such a good sit-sprint horse. We're not in a single mind of just going forward - going back is an option as well. We'll just see how the other ones lead the gate and we'll reassess from there.''

TAB bookmakers opened stablemate Waikiki Beach as a $1.75 favourite, and Anderson said fitness would not be a problem for the Somebeach-somewhere colt.

''The other fella is smart having his debut down there as well - he's pretty ready. [Driver] Brent Barclay dries a lot for Mark so there's no loss there.''

'Anderson's one other drive is Zac Mac in race 11, who has drawn awkwardly in race 9, but won from a similar alley on Sunday.

 ''He looks like a genuine place chance at least.''

 

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