Local stayer Up Cups, a stayer prepared on beach work and swimming, produced a strong trial for next month’s Hobart Cup when he won the Summer Cup at Elwick on Sunday.

The David Brunton-trained Up Cups delivered another stellar performance to take out the weight-for-age Summer Cup over 2200m.

Up Cups does not gallop between races but is trained off a pony that leads him through the salt water near Brunton’s training base at Seven Mile Beach.

Up Cups won the Brighton Cup on January 8, a win that gave him ballot free entry into the $200,000 Betfair Exchange Hobart Cup on February 8.

The Summer Cup was another local race that offered direct entry into the Tasmanian Racing Club’s premier event.

Up Cups came from near last 600 metres out to storm home and grab victory in the last stride from gallant mare Geegees Goldengirl, form that points to him performing strongly against the classy mainland entries in the Hobart Cup.

Sunday’s Hobart Guineas over 2100m was won by Jerilderie Letter, confirming his status as a genuine Tasmanian Derby prospect.

The Adam Trinder-trained three-year-old, having his first outing beyond 1600m, powered home to score by almost a length from the interstate raider Al Shameel with the Barry Campbell-trained Siorca a close-up third.

“That was a decisive and commanding win. The way he ran out the 2100 metres for the first time has proven he will get the Derby trip,” Trinder said.

“He has pretty much faced the breeze for the whole trip but he was still able to sprint and tough it out.

“All in all it has proven to be a very good guide to his chances in the Tasmanian Derby over 2200m.”