Counterattack is set to be crowned the 2017 Darley Kingsford-Smith Cup winner at Eagle Farm Racecourse in Brisbane this afternoon.
Counterattack has received plenty of interest in Darley Kingsford-Smith Cup betting markets. Photo: Daniel Costello
That is the tale of the tape in betting markets for the Group 1 feature race, where the Chris Waller-trained four-year-old has so-far receive the greatest share of attention from punters; cutting in from a quote of $9 to current figure as a clear $5 market mover.
Counterattack has shown plenty of ability throughout his entire racing career so far and will take his position in the Darley Kingsford-Smith Cup field with a commendable record of four wins and ten minors, through twenty-four appearances.
There was plenty of like about the Redoute’s Choice entire’s first two starts this time in, despite finishing towards the tail of the field in each and he appeared as though he would have finished a lot closer in both the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) and Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) with luck in running.
Having stormed home to finish second in the Group 3 Hall Mark Stakes (1200m) on April1 5th, Counterattack returned to Brisbane a fortnight ago to finish a close second behind Redzel in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m).
Drawn ideally in barrier 6, Counterattack will be partnered by leading Kiwi hoop Opie Bosson and should relish a step up to 1400m in the Darley Kingsford-Smith Cup.
Black Heart Bart is yet to herald much interest in Darley Kingsford-Smith Cup betting markets, but the multiple Group 1 winner remains the sole occupant of the top line at a $3.80 quote.
The Blackfriars gelding returned to the races this year for a close second behind Malaguerra in the Group 2 Australian Stakes (1200m) and progressed to consecutive wins in the Group 1 Ladbrokes CF Orr Stakes (1400m) and Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m).
Brad Rawiller is likely to find a position off the early pace with Black Heart Bart in the Darley Kingsford-Smith Cup and will look to swoop in the final straight.
Soft track specialist Jungle Edge has returned to racing in career-best form this time and has firmed into $6.50 Kingsford-Smith Cup odds after opening at a $12 quote.
Having worked to the line well to finish third in the Group 1 The Galaxy (1100m), the Dubawi gelding retuned to winning form in the Group 3 Star Kingdom Stakes (1200m) before again finishing third in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m).
Failing to carry a heavy weight to success when fifth in the Listed Wangoom Handicap (1200m), Jungle Edge arrived in Brisbane last weekend for a dominant win in the Group 3 BRC Sprint (1350m) and is arguably offered his best chance of a maiden win at the highest level to date at Eagle Farm this afternoon.
Three-year-old Derryn ($6) has also continued to receive support in 2017 Darley Kingsford-Smith Cup betting markets at Ladbrokes.com.au.
