Dellar’s Hopes Soar In Kalgoorlie Cup
25 September, 2015
Thoroughbred
A favourable barrier draw as revived trainer Merv Dellar’s hopes of taking out his biggest prize in the XXXX-Gold Kalgoorlie Cup (2300m) on Sunday.
Dellar was resigned to withdrawing Kronfeld from the $160,000 Listed feature but he breathed a huge sigh of relief when the gelding came up with pole position.
Dellar said he couldn’t contemplate Kronfeld copping another awkward draw as he had done previously in the Coolgardie Cup (1760m) and Boulder Cup (2100).
Dellar believes going back and being forced to settle near last in both feature races cost Kronfeld the opportunity of finishing much closer to the winners.
He ran fifth behind Western Blaze in the Coolgardie Cup and posted the second fastest final 600m when sixth to Ask Me Nicely in last week’s Boulder Cup.
Dellar says after drawing barrier one he expects jockey, Ryan Hill, to have Kronfeld forward and closer to the leaders in the Kalgoorlie Cup.
“I was absolutely jubilant when he came up with that barrier,” said Dellar.
“If he drew wide again I was seriously considering taking him out of the race.
“You are left with no option but to go back and it becomes too hard.
“I don’t want to make any excuses but he could have finished closer in his previous two races.
“In the Boulder Cup they walked the first half of the race and you have no chance to make ground from behind.
“I’m hoping for genuine speed so it can turn into a genuine staying test.”
Meanwhile Peter Fernie can become the fourth trainer in the past 57 years to win consecutive Kalgoorlie Cups when he saddles Ultimate Success and Black Moment.
Ultimate Success races first up for the master horseman after being picked up for $28,000 at leading owner-breeder, Bob Peter’s, dispersal sale.
The Blackfriars gelding, previously in the care of Adam Durrant, defeated Cougar Express by a short neck at Belmont four weeks ago.
“I haven’t had him for too long but Adam (Durrant) says he races better when fresh,” said Fernie.
Black Moment is racing in peak form with two wins and as many placings from his past five starts but Fernie believes his record should read better.
“He should have won the Tattersall’s Cup but couldn’t get out,” said Fernie.
“His past four runs have been really good.”
The TAB has Ultimate Success currently at $8.50. Jason Brown takes the mount from gate 13. Black Moment, drawn in gate ten for apprentice, Jordan Turner, is $26.
Kronfeld is rated a $26 chance.
Julio Santarelli