A strong field has been assembled for the Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) this Saturday at Eagle Farm, headlined by I Wish I Win.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2024 Kingsford Smith Cup.
2024 Kingsford Smith Cup Speed Map
Tuvalu led at pretty much all cost in the Wangoom so I think he is the leader. Drawn out, potentially the likes of Magic Time and Uncommon James can press forward. Do they give Antino a dig in the ribs or opt for cover? I Wish I Win and Bella Nipotina are drawn soft and will do no work.
2024 Kingsford Smith Cup Runner Preview:
1. I Wish I Win: Very keen on I Wish I Win. He ran in the Doomben 10,000, several weeks between runs, and yes was pretty much given every chance by J Mac, but drew inside, had to come through the worst ground and really, was only beaten on the line. Better for the run, traditional two weeks between runs and up to 1300m, firmer deck, Blinkers…good luck beating him I suggest.
2.Think About It: Think About It returns to sprint racing and I think is the clear threat. He was tried as a miler in the Sydney Autumn and was solid without setting the world on fire, with excuses I felt. Been given a break to revert to sprinting, trial was good and he was outstanding in this race when winning last year.
3.Tuvalu: Tuvalu will jump on the bunny and prove tough to get past. Outstanding winner of the Wangoom during the Warrnambool Carnival, lumping the big weight on the wet track, leading throughout and was just too classy. Has eyes on this and the Stradbroke, but will press forward here and is tough.
4.Uncommon James: Complete forgive in the Victory Stakes but the jury is well and truly out on how well he’s going and for mine, he goes through to the keeper.
5.Antino: I feel he is taking up way too much of the market percentage. Yes, visually an impressive win in the Victory Stakes, but he beat up inferior opposition, he was blessed by the ride and the fact the others didn’t realise that the inside section was the better ground, not right out wide where they went. He maps to be near last I feel, unless Duric gives him a dig in the ribs, then he could get caught wide. Either way, keen to risk him.
6.Cepheus: Dodging the handicapper for the Stradbroke. Deserving rank outsider.
7.Osipenko: If he wins at $51+ and I don’t have anything on, I may need counselling. Been such a frustrating horse to follow but he returns as a gelding and I am convinced his best is good enough to be dangerous. Borderline to get a start in the Stradbroke so will be keen to see how he goes.
8.Freedom Rally: Just missed out on the Stradbroke berth last week via the BRC Sprint and it seems they are now playing catch up.
9.Bella Nipotina: What a ripping, ripping mare she is. Credit to her in the 10,000, she gave them a start and albeit in the better ground, she got the win. So damn genuine she is and maps to get a perfect run in transit. Key chance.
10.In Secret: In Secret is a star mare for James Cummings that resumes. This girl is first up, having not raced since the Champions Sprint during the Spring when placing behind gun mare Imperatriz. Trialled in the Autumn and wasn’t 100% so the stable kept her on ice for Brisbane and her recent trial was quite good. Keen to see how she goes.
11.Magic Time: I think she needs the heavens to open right up to be considered a serious, serious winning chance. She got conditions to suit in the All Aged and duly won. There is forecast for rain on Saturday…but enough for her? I am saying no, and her tick over trial was just fair I thought.
12.Espiona: One day she is going to put it all together and spank them. But, I do feel it will be via Melbourne, potentially down the Flemington straight. For whatever reason, she just struggles racing clockwise and wants to do plenty wrong whereas in Melbourne, anti clockwise, she’s straight as. Huge in the 10,000 in defeat and can run top four.
2024 Kingsford Smith Cup $100 Betting Strategy:
My faith is being tested in I Wish I Win but I’ll keep it…for now. $100 Win Best Tote/SP.
Group l Strategy Outlay: $6725
Group l Strategy Return: $5349
2024 Kingsford Smith Cup Odds:
1. I Wish I Win (1)
J: Luke Nolen
T: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman
2. Think About It (8)
J: Blake Shinn
T: Joseph Pride
3. Tuvalu (3)
J: Tyler Schiller
T: Lindsey Smith
4. Uncommon James (11)
J: Billy Egan
T: S O’Dea & M Hoysted
5. Antino (12)
J: Vlad Duric
T: Tony Gollan
6. Cepheus (7)
J: Adam Hyeronimus
T: Matthew Dunn
7. Osipenko (5)
J: Tommy Berry
T: Chris Waller
8. Freedom Rally (10)
J: Tim Clark
T: Tony Gollan
9. Bella Nipotina (2)
J: Craig Williams
T: Ciaron Maher
10. In Secret (4)
J: Jamie Kah
T: James Cummings
11. Magic Time (9)
J: Michael Dee
T: Grahame Begg
12. Espiona (6)
J: Nash Rawiller
T: Chris Waller