This year's Albert O'Cass OAM Memorial Cup (race 6) at Hawkesbury looks a very even race but local galloper Underthetuscansun should acquit himself well.
Prepared on the course by Garry White, the gelding is dropping in grade for this Benchmark 70 over 1300m and looks well placed with the claim.
The lightly raced gelding has started only 20 times and has three wins and 11 minors, but rarely fails to weigh in.
He resumed from a long spell over 1200m at Canterbury Park on slow ground and after sitting second loomed up but found one better on the day.
He then trialled here before stepping out again a month later over 1000m at Warwick Farm. There he settled off the speed but coming to the turn was held up and couldn't get clear, finishing sixth but beaten less than two lengths when coasting to the line.
Next start was a Benchmark 80 over 1100m at Rosehill and once again luck deserted him.
Settling sixth on the inside, he was there throughout before trying to get into the clear in the straight and was once again held up. He did get out and ran on well for a close up fourth.
After three weeks between runs he returned to Rosehill last start over 1200m in a Benchmark 75. Settling midfield, he turned there and ground home to finish a 3.9 length fifth.
Today he drops in grade and after the claim for Chad Schofield will carry the same weight.
He has drawn well and on his home track boasts an excellent record, including all three career wins, as well as six minors from just 10 runs.
Underthetuscansun will be settled just off the speed and looks the one to beat.
The Andrew Shaw-trained That's Cricket is another local and he looks the main danger.
The gelding raced over 1250m at Canterbury Park two starts back where he drifted back in the run and turned there but ran away with an effortless 2.5 length win.
He was then tested in the Listed Skinfitness Cup here over 1300m last start. After settling last in the run from his wide draw he cut across to the fence and hugged the rail turning.
In the straight they dashed home and he tried hard but could manage only sixth, beaten 5.7 lengths behind Shannara.
Today the gelding races at the same track and distance but drops sharply in class.
After the claim for regular rider Alexandra Stokes he will carry 56kg so rises only 3kg on the big class drop.
He has four of his five wins at the course and should be running on strongly.
A couple of lightly raced four-year-olds could run cheeky races.
The Darren Smithy-trained mare Strathspey was an easy last start winner at Wyong in easier grade and is a winner at her only try at today's track and distance when claiming her maiden.
She drops nicely in the weights on her last start and will be parked close to the speed.
The Hawkes trained Nitro is a lightly raced gelding who is fitter for one run back from a spell.
The gelding likes to race in the lead and might be able to cross and give a big sight today at odds.
