Newman Cup Redemption
24 August, 2018
WA Country Cups
Dean Cocivera has redemption on his mind when Totes Amaze tackles the $30,000 Newman Cup (2100m) on Saturday.
Cocivera is hoping Totes Amaze can wipe away bad memories after he trailed the field in last year’s Newman Cup.
“I don’t think he handled the track,” Cocivera said.
“They resurfaced it from a grass track to a dirt track.
“It’s made it a little softer and he prefers a harder track.
“But I’m keen to go well after last year.”
Cocivera believes Totes Amaze is nearing peak form after placings at his past three starts.
The Bernadini gelding ran a close third to Someday One Day, beaten a long-head, in the Port Hedland Cup (2200m) last-start.
“I was getting a little excited thinking he was going to win about 50m out,” Cocivera said.
“He was probably a run behind this preparation after we lost a Roebourne meeting.
“But he is going well and the Port Hedland run topped him off.”
Cocivera believes Speed ‘N’ Reef will be the horse to beat after he ran third to Diamond Tonique in last week’s Broome Cup.
“I think he is the one who will be hard to beat off the short turnaround,” Cocivera said.
“He’s run a few placings in cups but looks a danger.”
Boys Get Around Him, one of two starters for Jacqueline Henderson, carries 63kg, the same top weight he lumped when fifth in the Port Hedland Cup.
The son of Written Tycoon was a winner of the Roebourne Cup (2200m) two starts back with 62kg.
Stable mate Tavernier Blue ran fourth in the Port Hedland Cup and according to Henderson rates an excellent chance
“He ran really well in the Port Hedland Cup,” Henderson said.
“He has been really good this season and in the money most starts.
“He is a nice little horse and I like him.”
Julio Santarelli