Veteran On Song For Carnarvon Cup
Trainer Greg Beauglehole is upbeat about the chances of claiming the Tabtouch Carnarvon Cup (2000m) with evergreen galloper I’m A Bluebagger on Saturday.
The Helenus 10-year-old has been an outstanding performer for Beauglehole all his career, compiling a record of eight wins and 15 placings from 62 starts.
I’m A Bluebagger is chasing his second consecutive country cup victory after validating hot favouritism in the Newman Cup (2100m) on August 24.
But it was I’m A Bluebagger’s brave and tough performance at his previous run in the Broome Cup (2200m) that has Beauglehole bursting with confidence.
The veteran gelding endured a difficult run after racing wide for the majority of the race, but he stuck to his task manfully and ran fourth to Swift Platinum.
“As far as winning the Carnarvon Cup he is some winning hope,” Beauglehole said on Tabradio.
“It was a pretty massive to sit four and five wide the whole way in the Broome Cup.
“It was a bloody awesome effort.
“He is sound as a bell and loves the warmer weather.
“He just thrives in it.”
In an open Tabtouch market I’m A Bluebagger is rated a $6.50 prospect.
Honorfic is the $3.80 favourite with Shibuya Crossing $6, Tom Almighty $7 and Western Star $6.50.
I’m A Bluebagger has drawn barrier seven. Jockey Takahide Ikenushi takes over from Michelle Hagley.
Meanwhile Ashely Maley believes if Western Star can repeat her past two runs she will be hard to beat.
The seven-year-old ran second to Sugar Cain over 2200m at Northam and at her most recent performance she won the Junction Cup (1900m).
“She is going really well and is a very, very tough mare,” Maley said.
“I said to one of her owners I would like to have a crack at a country cup.
“That’s why we have taken a path to Carnarvon.”
Peta Edwards has picked up the ride on Western Star.
She won last year’s Carnarvon Cup on Speed ‘N’ Reef.
Julio Santarelli