Two weeks on from the Premier’s Cup, Highland Bling and Athabascan are set to line up in Saturday’s G2 Brisbane Cup.
Highland Bling used that latest run as a stepping stone and has come on nicely, with Ben Thompson noting: “He’s bouncing. I’m confident he’ll run his best.”
Athabascan, 5th in that race, steps up to his preferred trip of 3200m and looks set to improve, with Tom Charlton confident he can run “a very bold race”.
Two weeks on from their runs in the Premier’s Cup, both Highland Bling and Athabascan are set to contest Saturday’s Group 2 Brisbane Cup, with their preparations right on track for the staying feature.
Highland Bling enters the race on the back of what was effectively a barrier trial in the Premier’s Cup. Given a considerate ride by Ben Thompson, the gelding still managed to hit the line well, taking good benefit from the outing.
That run has brought him on nicely, with his main piece of work on Tuesday under Thompson described as particularly pleasing. The pair will reunite on Saturday, with confidence building that the gelding is set to peak at the right time.
Ben Thompson was upbeat following the gallop –“He’s bouncing. His work was really nice. He’s pretty bright and enjoying the sunshine. I’m confident he’ll run his best on Saturday.”
Athabascan lines up alongside him again, having finished 5th in the Premier’s Cup. It served its purpose as a stepping stone toward this weekend’s target, and the step up to 3200m is more suitable.
He’s likely to be ridden a little quieter this time, allowing him to build into the race with confidence. He’ll take good improvement from his last run and as seen in the Sydney Cup, he can be very effective late. Tommy Berry retains the ride.
Athabascan has also pleased in his work leading in, with a strong gallop on Tuesday indicating he has come on well from his last start.
Trainer Tom Charlton is confident in the gelding’s condition heading into Saturday –“He’s fit and well and two miles is his preferred distance. If we can execute our race plan a bit better and he brings his A-game, there’s no reason why he can’t run a very bold race.”
Both geldings are coming to hand nicely and look set for strong performances this weekend!
