Newman Cup Beckons For Gold Broker
20 August, 2015
Thoroughbred
Veteran trainer Frank Maynard is confident Gold Broker can bounce back and cast aside last week’s disappointing performance in the Broome Cup (2200m) when he tackles the BHP Billiton Iron Ore Newman Cup (2100m) on Saturday.
Gold Broker started favourite in Broome’s most prestigious race but the Strada gelding couldn’t match the hype and expectations of punters when he ran sixth and finished 6 ½ lengths astern of Rob Gulberti’s, Desert Glow.
Maynard, one of Western Australia’s most respected horseman, has advised supporters to rule a line through the run and says the five-year-old, a winner of over $200,000 in prize money, would be hard to beat.
“It was one of those races where nothing went right,” said Maynard.
“He got skittled early and then had to race wide.
“He didn’t appreciate the dirt back in his face.
“I also don’t think he is a genuine 2200m horse.
“But he has recovered and pulled up very well.
“He is back to himself and just needs a soft run.”
With a win in the Listed Melvista Stakes (2200m) and a fourth placing to Mystic Prince in the WA Derby (2400m)two years ago when under the guidance of trainer, Dan Morton, Gold Broker is the best credentialed runner in the Newman Cup.
The five-year-old, who meets a field of five rivals, also won the Esperance Cup (2000m), was runner up behind Cyber Crime in the Geraldton Cup (2100m) and placed third to Be So Ryski in the Narrogin Cup (1900m).
Nine-year-old Galinba Blast, now in the hands of Darryn Pateman, is having his second crack at the Newman Cup after finishing sixth to Cougar Express last year when prepared by, Kayla Farrell.
The son of Stormy’s Son could only beat two runners home in the Broome Cup, but he didn’t get a lot of clear galloping room in the home straight and his earlier form was consistent enough.
He posted one win and two minor placings including a third to Gold Broker, beaten five lengths, in the Kimberley Cup (2020m).
Galinba Blast has drawn gate two for Peter Farrell while Kyra Yuill, who capped her fine Broome season by winning the leading jockey title, will partner Gold Broker from barrier one.
Wonorg for Collie trainer, Brett Southcott, pressed his claims when he ran on strongly from fifth at the turn to defeat pacesetter, Solar Drift by 3 ¾ lengths over 1600m at Broome last week.
It ended a poor run of form at Northam, Roebourne and Port Hedland for Wonorg, but the seven-year-old son of Redoubtable will have to overcome a distance hoodoo.
Julio Santarelli