ENGLISH stayer Withhold could emerge as a serious Melbourne Cup player with a big win in the $350,000 Geelong Cup.
The Roger Charlton-trained raider has created huge impression since arriving at Werribee and shapes as the horse to beat in the Geelong Cup.
Withhold will aim to follow the path of internationals Media Puzzle (2002), Americain (2010) and Dunaden (2011) who won the Geelong Cup-Melbourne Cup double.
LATEST BETTING: TAB FIXED ODDS
BEST BET
WITHHOLD (Race 7, No 3, $2.90)
High-class raider with Melbourne Cup ambitions. Internationals have excelled in this race over the past two decades. Perfectly drawn from Kerrin McEvoy.
English raider Withhold got a look at the Geelong Cup trophy with race ambassador Sarah Czarnuch. Picture: Mike DugdaleSource:News Corp Australia
NEXT BEST
OUR SEA GODDESS (Race 2, No 12, $4.80)
No luck on Australian debut when second at The Valley, beaten only a length with little galloping room.
TRULY DISCREET (Race 4, No 12, $4.20)
Drops from Group 2 to Benchmark 78 and steps to 1500m. Will be prominent for a long way.
THE TRAINER
CIARON MAHER (Caulfield)
SHERIFF JOHN STONE (Race 5, No 4, $6)
“He’s in great order. When he runs in his grade, he races really well. He’s racing great, in a really good vein of form.”
WALL OF FIRE (Race 7, No 4, $23)
“Last start got out of his ground and ran well. We might have to ride him a bit ugly, a bit wide. He’s a really strong stayer. He’s trained on really well and he’s improved physically and mentally this time in.”
Ciaron Maher is confident Sheriff John Stone will run well at Geelong. Picture: AAPSource:AAP
THE JOCKEY
COREY BROWN
The dual Melbourne Cup-winning jockey has four rides – WOLFE TONE (Race 1, No 9, $14), TRIAGE (Race 4, No 14, $9.50), ONE FOOT IN HEAVEN (Race 7, No 2, $18) and I DID IT AGAIN (Race 9, No 5, $4).
*All prices correct at time of publishing
Originally published as Raceday focus: Tips for Geelong Cup Day
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