Augie chasing winter riches
National Sprint Champion West On Augie will be looking to add another feature final trophy to his collection when he contests Saturday night’s Listed Winter Cup Final over the 520 metres at Cannington.
The Chris Halse trained speedster runs into a quality lineup which includes recent WA Derby winner Premium Share, Perth Cup runner-up Hecton Bale, South Australian visitor Alicante Bouchet and a host of other talented locals.
West On Augie has come up with the draw in box 8, where he has won 4 of 9 attempts and Trainer Chris Halse believes his kennel star can prove hard to beat.
“It is a good field but if he can step cleanly he should be able to zoom over and sit outside the likely leader Alicante Bouchet.” Halse said when speaking on the Sports Daily on TAB Radio this morning.
“He had to overcome a few bumps at box rise last week but he quickly brushed them aside and went on with the job.” Halse added.
“He should be able to get across our other runner Premium Share in the run to the post and if that was to happen he would be the best chance of our duo.” Halse suggested.
“In saying that the way that Premium Share got home in his heat last he would be right in it if he could get through with a clear run.” Halse offered.
West On Augie has won 34 of his 58 career starts with stake earnings of more than $374,000 and heads into the final in a rich vein of form having won 3 of his last 4 starts.
Halse’s other representative Premium Share won the Group 2 WA Derby three starts ago before stepping up to the 600 metres and recording a slick 34.68 win over the 600 metres. His effort to overcome trouble and flash home for third behind Hecton Bale in his heat was a strong performance.
“Premium Share is as fast as any dog we have in the kennels and if he happened to land in a forward position he would definitely keep them honest.” Halse said.
The South Australian visitor Alicante Bouchet gave plenty of cheek in her heat running a sizzling early split of 5.38 before being run down in the shadows of the post by Hecton Bale.
A similar early sectional from the Ben Rawlings trained chaser would see her in front with a lap to go and she is likely to improve for her first look at the track last week.
The James Jeffries trained Quara’s Zade is yet to miss a place after 5 tries from box one and should get a lovely rails run through while Snazzy Whompo can again figure in the placings from it’s near rails box draw.
When quizzed for his better hopes of the night Halse suggested Jerky Boy and Here Come’s Josh as likely types.
“Jerky Boy has drawn a suitable race while Josh has drawn where I like him and he looks a strong chance.” Halse said.
It shapes up as a cracking edition of the Listed Winter Cup – good luck with your thoughts!
DAVID SHORTTE