Wish Come True will contest the 2014 Geelong Cup and Peter Moody’s Racing Manager Jeff O’Connor has revealed that the imported stayer needs to prove he is capable of running out a strong 2400 metres in the Group 3 event at Geelong this afternoon.
Wish Come True has the chance to record a maiden win at Group level in the Geelong Cup this afternoon. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Wish Come True started his 2014 Spring Racing Carnival campaign with a credible fourth in the Listed Premier’s Cup (1800m) at Rosehill Gardens on August 30 and was an unlucky third in the Group 3 Newcastle Gold Cup (2300m) on September 18, but failed to fire in the Group 1 The Metropolitan (2400m) at Royal Randwick on October 4.
O’Connor told RSN yesterday that the stable was disappointed with the performance of Wish Come True in The Metropolitan and said that they will be forced to reassess their plans with the Aussie Rules gelding if he fails to run out a strong 2400 metres in the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) this afternoon.
“We just want to see him run this trip again before we analyse further whether he is a 2000 metres horse or not,” O’Connor said.
“His runs before The Metrop were good, his lead-up form was terrific and he just disappointed a little on that day.
“We are happy to give him another shot at this trip and then assess further.”
Wish Come True has shown a degree of tactical versatility during his racing career in Australia to date, but he arguably produced his best performance when he was ridden just behind the leaders in the early stages of the Geelong Cup.
O’Connor said that there does not look to be a great amount of speed in the Geelong Cup field and he is confident that Wish Come True can take up a relatively handy position when he jumps from barrier four with Chad Schofield on his back on Saturday.
“He can hold a spot and the race doesn’t look to be full of on-pacers that go along,” Moody said.
“He will find a nice tempo and he should be able to sit handy and have his chance to run them down.”
Wish Come True has been well supported in 2014 Geelong Cup betting markets and he is into $10 after opening at $13 with Ladbrokes when the field was released earlier in the week.
More Than Sacred is currently available at 2014 Geelong Cup odds and is a narrow favourite from Zanbagh ($5.50), Caravan Rolls On ($6.50) and Shoreham ($7.50).
