This weekend’s Premier’s Cup at Eagle Farm Racecourse provides an important stepping stone toward the Brisbane Cup, with Highland Bling and Athabascan set to line up in the Group 3 event.
Both had their most recent run in the G1 Sydney Cup, where they produced strong performances to finish third and fourth respectively, and will once again go head-to-head as they continue their Queensland winter campaigns.
Since his run in the Sydney Cup, Athabascan has had a short freshen-up and spent some time at the beach, which he particularly enjoys. Trainer Tom Charlton is very happy with how he has returned, saying“I’m really pleased with this horse. He looks fantastic. He’s bounced off his freshen up really well.”
He has been working nicely in recent weeks, including a solid tick-over trial a fortnight ago that has him fit and ready for Saturday’s assignment. Tommy Berry, who partnered him to victory in the G3 St Leger Stakes in 2024, reunites with the gelding for this weekend’s contest.
Highland Bling has followed a similar path into the race, with a recent trial sharpening him up. Jockey Chad Schofield was in the saddle for that latest trial and commented afterwards “I thought that trial was as good if not better than the one I had on him at Warwick Farm before his last run. He’s really fit and ready to go over 2400m”.
The gelding has settled in well since arriving at Eagle Farm earlier in the week and completed his final piece of work yesterday morning with Ben Thompson on board, who will take the ride on Saturday.
Saturday’s Premier’s Cup shapes as an ideal spot for both horses, with the race expected to provide a nice top up ahead of their main target, the Group 2 Brisbane Cup.
G1 Sydney Cup 2026
Also on the card is another Group 3 contender, Hillier, who lines up in the Fred Best Classic. The gelding took a little longer than expected to return to the races following a few minor setbacks, but has resumed in good order with a smart win in open-age Benchmark 78 company at Gosford to kick off his preparation.
Co-trainer Rob Archibald indicated the team is keen to give him a chance in some of the better races over the Brisbane Carnival. “We’ve always liked him, he was gelded after his run in the Caulfield Guineas and had a long break, we’ll see how he goes in the Fred Best but there are plenty of other nice races for him.”
Hillier 1st at Gosford
The Fred Best is a ‘win and you’re in’ race for the G1 Stradbroke Handicap, which the 3yo’s will need this year to gain a start! Saturday’s race won’t be easy, with the likes of Grafterburners, Sixties, Beadman and Wodeton all looking to put their best foot forward. Nash Rawiller, who partnered him to his first-up victory, retains the ride, and connections are hopeful of another big run.
Part of the above information was posted by RS NewsWire on Justhorseracing.com.