State Prosecutor Primed For Boulder Cup
23 September, 2018
Thoroughbred
Co-trainer Grant Williams believes TAB market leader State Prosecutor has a terrific opportunity of winning today’s $100,000 Listed Boulder Cup (2100m) after the scratching of Prying Tom.
Prying Tom had won four races in a row and was considered the biggest threat to State Prosecutor, but trainer Sharon Miller informed stewards on Friday that he was found to be lame in the off hind.
State Prosecutor ran second to Prying Tom last-start and aside from one poor run he has enjoyed a consistent campaign, securing a Listed Belmont Guineas (1600m) victory and five placings from his seven starts.
The More Than Ready gelding has drawn barrier one in the Boulder Cup and holds firm $2.00 favouritism ahead of First Affair ($4.20) and Gloryland ($5.50).
Champion jockey William Pike, out to claim his first success in the Boulder Cup, retains the mount on State Prosecutor.
Williams, who prepares State Prosecutor in partnership with his wife, Alana, said he was confident of the four-year-old’s chances.
“My only concern is the hard Kalgoorlie track and the travel up there, but he won’t be the only one that has to deal with it,” Williams said.
“He has been a model of consistency and really has only produced one disappointing run this preparation.
“Ever since that run everything has been good with him and he is fit and well.
“He goes into the race in good shape and should be hard to beat.”
First Affair is next best behind State Prosecutor after an improved run in last Sunday week’s Coolgardie Cup (1760m).
The Saxon mare, trained by Adam Durrant, ran two lengths third to Pushin’ Shapes after powering home from near last.
Durrant, a dual winner of the Boulder Cup with Reverend Lovejoy (2009-2011), said First Affair would be fighting out the finish.
“This is a harder race than the Coolgardie Cup, but when she strikes form she usually holds it,” Durrant said.
“She has trained on well and I couldn’t be happier.
“I think she is definitely a top three chance.”
First Affair has drawn barrier six and will be ridden by Jordan Turner.
Julio Santarelli