The successful formula adopted by trainer Richard Clarke with Granite Bluff could again pay dividends when the veteran galloper runs in the $25,000 Bankstown Sports Forbes Cup (1600m) today.
Granite Bluff won the 2011 Forbes Cup and was narrowly beaten when third last year – both times when he was first-up from a spell over a mile. Clarke can’t fault his stable favourite who has won 10 races and earned $170,000.
“He is every bit as good in himself as the year he won the Forbes Cup,” he said. “He had a few little problems last campaign and only won the one race at Canberra and was in need of a spell when he did that. The break has done him good and he is spot on to run a good race.”
The feature race has drawn a number of strong hopefuls with Price of Glory the likely favourite after two recent impressive wins with big weights. He failed when ninth at Caulfield at his latest start, but can be expected to be charging to the finish line which is his usual style of racing.
Topweight Testascana is being floated up from Flemington and will need to reverse his form around especially with 61.5 kilograms. Testascana has been struggling in recent starts in Melbourne, but did finish sixth behind the talented Club Command three runs back. If he reproduces that effort, the topweight is capable of winning.
The other interesting runner is Slick Sniper who will be having his first start for new trainer Clint Lundholm. The former member of the Tracey Bartley stable has won over $317,000, and like Testascana, only need to find his best form to be in the finish. Slick Sniper hasn’t raced since finishing sixth at Rosehill four weeks ago.
The cup has been reduced to 12 starters with the scratchings of Conch and Beer Gut. There are host of chances with Private Taber racing consistently in restricted grade and facing his acid test while Micalong is another who continues to perform well.
Mossamine has struggled in two starts since spell and is capable of better while Gokstad and Slippery Eel are winners in their last three starts. Last year’s winning trainer Peter Stanley will be represented by Our Heart.
