Our attention again turns to Doomben this weekend, where Cepheus and Hezashocka will run in feature black-type events.
Hezashocka, who won his last start in the Listed Gosford Gold Cup at Newcastle, is now headed for the Group 1 Doomben Cup over 2000m. Hezashocka could again be very competitive, especially if track conditions are to stay in the soft range.
The son of Shocking had a long time between wins, while still being very competitive in high level races. The gelding has shown the capacity to be in the finish in a Group 1. with a 3rd placing in the Champions Stakes at Flemington in November 2022, beating both I’m Thunderstruck and Anamoe. His Listed win last start was most deserved and he has since trained on well at Rosehill.
Hezashocka wins the Listed Gosford Gold Cup last start.
“It’s definitely a very competitive race. We’re keeping him very fresh between runs for the return to 2000m. We would like to be in the first half of the field, get a good run in transit and hopefully he can show a repeat performance from last start.” said Michael Kent Jnr.
Hezashocka will be ridden by Michael Dee and jumps from barrier 6. See the full field and all race details here.
The following race at Doomben will feature talented gelding Cepheus, who is likely to take his place in the Group 3 BRC Sprint over 1350m.
Cepheus last raced in the G1 George Ryder Stakes in late March off an interrupted lead up, before a virus brought an early end to his campaign. He enjoyed a short break and has since trialled up soundly.
“I liked the way he hit the line in the trial, the surface was a bit too soft for his liking, but I liked what I saw from him. He had a good blow and still has some fitness improvement to come, but I think he is in for a good campaign.”, commented trainer Matt Dunn.
Cepheus’ last win came in the $1.5m Alan Brown Stakes at Rosehill in October 2023, before running a terrific 2nd in the $3m Big Dance.
Cepheus has drawn barrier 20, carrying the top weight in the race on Saturday. No doubt that set up hurts his winning chances, but the outing is an important stepping stone as Cepheus works towards the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap. See the full field and all race details here.
Looking across the globe, exciting 4yo entire Sevenna’s Knight will take his place in the Group 2 Prix Vocomtesse Vigier on Sunday. Read all about his chances here.
Best of luck to all connections involved in our stakes runners. Our full weekend preview video will be out later this week!