A drop back from Group 1 company should be ideal for the Darren Weir-trained Raw Impulse in Thursday’s Moe Cup.
The entire was thrown in the deep end last start when contesting the Turnbull Stakes and didn’t measure up, beaten nearly ten lengths.
It was revealed post race though the entire had a poor post race recovery highlighting the fact the UK import did have excuses for racing below his best.
Prior to that disappointment the entire was a dominant winner of the Penang Trophy over 1800m at Morphettville.
It was Raw Impulse’s fourth win from seven starts since arriving in Australia having worked through his grades well during his maiden Australian preparation last autumn.
The son of Makfi was awarded a Timeform rating of 111p for his latest victory, a figure which holds him in good stead amongst Thursday’s Moe Cup field.
A dozen runners remain in the Moe Cup following scratchings and of those who remain, only three sit inside the handicap.
Raw Impulse is one of them and he can return to the winner’s circle in a race which overall he appears suited in.
A wide alley shapes as the main issue for Raw Impulse however ideally rider Luke Nolen will be able to slot the Australian Bloodstock-raced galloper in midfield with cover.
Sticking with the class horses near the top of the weights shapes as the way to go with Hi World shaping as an apparent danger to the Darren Weir-trained favourite.
The son of High Chaparral has mixed his form so far this campaign and performed below expectations as favourite in the Shannon Stakes 19 days ago.
A rise to ten furlongs may be what he needs now and while it has been a while since he last raced over the trip, his lone look at 2000m came in the 2015 Frank Packer Plate where he returned a victory.
Barrier 1 should suit as will a rain affected track with the five-year-old having generally produced his best work on soft ground.
Master Zephyr has been solid through his three runs so far this campaign and shapes as a solid Plan B for the Weir stable.
The Shirocco gelding was finding the line well late in the Murtoa Cup last start over 2050m.
This is tougher however he drops sharply in weight and should be approaching peak fitness fourth run from a spell.
The race falls away sharply after the above mentioned trio.
Value player could be Escado fifth up and out to 2050m for the first time this campaign who also has the Blinkers go on for the first time this preparation.
Authoritarian was a dominant winner of a Benchmark 70 at Bendigo last start.
While this is tougher, the son of Authorized will have at least taken confidence from the run and is well performed on soft tracks.
Those willing to forgive Raw Impulse’s last start disappointment should be rewarded in Thursday’s $150,000 Moe Cup (2050m).
