Big Memory has been racing in good form of late and looks hard to go past in the Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) at Morphettville today.
The Tony McEvoy-trained runner produced an outstanding effort to win by 3L in the listed Night Cup at Moonee Valley last start and despite stepping well up in trip where untried should prove hard to hold out.
Big Memory steps up some 700m on his last start win but ran away strongly over the concluding stages and Duke Of Marmalade progeny have had some success over the distance range previously.
The four-year-old gelding has finished in the placings all five runs this campaign, winning two of them and rates well here on weight adjusted Timeform ratings.
Craig Williams who rode the horse to win at Moonee Valley last start stays on board and if Big Memory sees out the 3200m he looks the one they have to beat.
Cooldini from the Robert Smerdon stable comes into the race under similar circumstances to Big Memory having won in listed company last start but steps up in trip where untried.
Cooldini proved too strong for Prince Of Penzance in the Roy Higgins last start and hit the line well over the 2600m trip.
That effort rates well on weight adjusted Timeform ratings and his recent form suggests he will be in the mix again here.
Macedonian showed good form over the obstacles last campaign but comes into this having produced good results on the flat.
Storming to the line to finish third behind Instrumentalist two back, the eight-year-old Zabeel gelding then went on to finish fourth behind Cooldini in the Roy Higgins.
Macedonian was 4.4L away on that occasion however has won over the trip previously and having produced good results over the hurdles will have no issue in seeing out the 3200m.
His best form rates well here and currently at very good odds he is certainly worth some consideration with plenty of these untested over the 3200m
Outback Joe also rates a mention having taken out the Bagot three starts back before running a solid third in the Roy Higgins.
Racing well enough of late but if he can turn the tables on the likes of Cooldini I am not so sure but will no doubt give a good account of himself and can run into the finish here.
Rialya took out this race just two years ago but recent form has been below par. He has a good record at the course and has won his only time at the trip but on what he has produced of late, place looks best in this.
Distillation also rates a mention having taken out the Group 3 Lord Reims Stakes last start which is traditionally a good lead up race but still has a bit to find on a couple of these.
