Wide open races: entire field a “genuine hope” in Bathurst Gold Cup

Falcon’s Fury has three consecutive wins under his belt for Cowra’s Paul Braddon but even so, Lyne says he’s no sure thing, there’s a case to be made for all eight qualifiers.

Especially since Braddon’s black dog will jump from the unfavourable box six.

“Every dog has a genuine hope if they run well in the first quarter. Collectively, they’ve won over half a million dollars in prize money,” he said. 

“It’s a high-quality race. They’ve got plenty of field experience, plenty of race experience.

“If Falcon’s Fury steps at his best, he should get room to move but if he doesn’t he could be in a bit of trouble.”

He also said Miss Splendamiro and She’s Grand are the two quickest starters, which have drawn box one and box eight respectively. 

“Miss Splendamiro, she’s won five from six and placed the other when starting from the number one box. She probably didn’t start as well as she could have but she was still the second quickest heat winner,” he said.

“She’s Grand is out of the eight box. She’s had four start at this track at this distance (520 metres) and has always run lightning first sections. If she comes out humming, everything in the middle will have to come at their best to be in the firing line.”

Londonderry-trained Miss Splendamiro is Lyne’s pick for the win.

“It’s going to be hard to go past Miss Splendamiro from the number one box but I’d love to see a central west dog win it,” he said.

“Obviously if Falcon’s Fury comes out like he did in the Orange Cup, no one is going to get near him.

“Ferrero Miss and Kilkee May may be double-figure odds but they’ve got speed to finish second or third.”

Forbes trainer Raymond Smith has three dogs qualified for the final – Midnight Treat, Big Daddy Bee and Little Digger. 

The 10-race meeting starts at 6.59pm, with the Bathurst Gold Cup at 9.25pm and Bill Kennerson Memorial Final at 8.25pm.