Budd Sidewinder Looking for Busselton Cup Glory at Fifth Attempt

January 20, 2022

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Budd Sidewinder and Ashleigh Markham after a win at Busselton. Photo Credit- Michael Callegari Facebook

Friday nights 2022 Busselton Cup will be Budd Sidewinder’s last start in WA, with the eight-year-old heading to Victoria next week with the relocating stable of Ash Markham.

Owner and trainer Michael Callegari made the decision to send the country track specialist and his stable mate Sammy’s Ideal with Markham, with the pair agreeing that there are more racing opportunities for the horses in Victoria.

“Fingers crossed mine and Ash’s partnership can go out with a bang and win the cup,”

“I think he’s a real good chance, he pulled up good from last week. Just need luck when you’re a back marker at Busselton.”

Budd Sidewinder will start off the 20m handicap in the eight-horse field in the Busselton Cup over the 2680m stand, and at his fifth attempt at the cup, Callegari is hoping he can end his career in WA with the win.

“It will be his fifth try, one of them he was in a nasty pile up on the first corner and was withdrawn before the re-run.” Michael Callegari said.

Budd Sidewinder has had 133 starts for 18 wins and 41 placings, including taking out the 2021 Wagin Cup and the King Coal Cup at Collie in 2019 and in early 2018 made it three in a row at his home track in Busselton. With earnings of $115,015, it is a testament to his consistency and a feat in itself considering Budd has not won a metro staked race in his career.

Matt Scott believes his horse Awaitinginstructions is the one to beat, having his third start back this campaign, Scott confirmed the five-year-old is back to a fitness level to run out the 2680m staying trip

“He felt super in track work on Wednesday. Mitchell (Miller) can drive him tough or sit and sprint.” Matt Scott said.

Kym Neal prepares two of the eight runners in the Cup, with the Yallingup based trainer gearing up Hes Royal Blue from barrier six off the 10m handicap and Captain Proud from barrier eight off the back marker, the 30m handicap. Captain Proud is a seasoned campaigner in the Busselton Cup, with several starts in previous years.

“Captain Proud is a genuine stayer who has run second in 2019 then won in 2020 and 2021 ran third, he’s up for the fight,”

“Hes Royal Blue is relatively new to standing starts but is very quick,”

“A quinella I hope.” Kym Neal said

2022 Busselton Cup Field