With eight of Saturday's 12-strong G1 Doomben Cup (2000m) field coming through a last start run in the G2 Hollindale S. (1800m) at the Gold Coast, trainer Chris Waller's six strong team looks to hold all the aces.
Having just his third Australian start, the 6-year-old Satono Rasen (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) has improved significantly from his first to his second run and if that same improvement is present in the Doomben Cup, then the Glyn Schofield-ridden $2.2-million earner could be the one to take the prize and continue the outstanding run of his global sire sensation.
Although jumping from winning the Listed Wagga Cup (2000m) on May 4 to Group 1 level, Life Less Ordinary (Ire) (Thewayyouare) has been working through his grades and appears to have a sense of timing about him, improving at each and every run this time in and he could be the surprise packet of Waller's runners.
G2 Hollindale S. winner Oregon's Day (Aus) (Domesday {Aus}) has been in outstanding form this campaign, having not finished further back than fourth in all five runs and although she has never been tested at the trip, her devastating turn of foot over the 1800m last time out indicates the 2000m should be of no concern.
Anthony Freedman's Ambitious (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) has always been spoken of highly and with his best effort in Australia being a second over 2400m at Group 1 level, the 6-year-old had problems last time out when losing three shoes, and if back on track, can atone here with a forward showing.
Ten-grand yearling purchase Man Of His Word (Aus) (Lope De Vega (Ire), now a winner of over $440,000, comes into the race off an impressive third in the G2 Hollindale S. after not getting clear passage until late, and having defeated many of his competitors in this race last time out, the Bruce Hill-trained gelding will be a good chance at odds.
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