Sunshine Coast Cup - Form Analysis

A look into a selection of runners in this Saturday's Listed Sunshine Coast Cup 

*All market prices as of 8:15am 27/01/2024

By Dylan Mutu 

1) Master Jamie – Barrier 14 ($11)

The champion of Rockhampton has returned a treat this preparation and his last run in the Mort & Co King of the Mountain earlier this month proved that. He presents third-up on Saturday but has to lug 60kg while also having to juggle the wide draw. Although, don't be alarmed, because the seven-year-old relishes these predicaments, having won both of his Rockhampton Cup's with the same issue.

VERDICT – I’m assuming jockey Les Tilley will look to cross early and get him to straight to the lead. If he gets to the front easily enough, he should give plenty of sight despite the weight. A good value play.

2) Ef Troop – Barrier 7 ($14)

It’s been a while between wins for Ef Troop with his last victory posted back in October, 2022. The eight-year-old hasn’t presented with the best form  this preparation, although he has faced some handy types. He drops back into a weaker class this Saturday and steps up in distance which is a tick for the Tony Gollan-trained galloper. 

VERDICT – The booking of James Orman is a big plus and I’m happy to forgive his last run on Magic Millions Day after being posted three-wide the trip. Despite the forgive run, his form prior to that has been up-and-down, so it's hard to make an assessment on whether he'll fire this weekend. I'll be leaning towards others on Saturday, but I wouldn't be surprised if he pops up in the finish in the weaker grade.

3) Kinloch – Barrier 3 ($3.80)

A smart horse is Kinloch and the six-year-old has come back in great order from his spring hiatus. His last run over the 1200 metres was elite, swamping the field with a stellar last-to-first display against some handy types. He's a deserving favourite on Saturday.

VERDICT – He's my TOP PICK based on his last run which is tough to ignore. The 1400 metres is the query, although his run at Eagle Farm in July last year over the same distance (2nd) - where he arguably should have won - gives me great confidence he should measure up. On top of that, Kris Lees is training the house down and he’s booked Andrew Mallyon to ride who he’s had great success with in Queensland.

4) Legal Esprit – Barrier 14 ($14)

Another Mort & Co King of the Mountain runner who boxed on well despite being posted wide for the majority of the race. The Toowoomba-based galloper's recent form suggests he'll like the rise in distance after his two placing's in black-type company in December last year. 

VERDICT – The five-year-old has had some bad luck with the barrier draw and I feel it might be a tough ask for him again considering how he's found it tough to gather momentum from the back half in his recent appearances. Prefer others.

5) Chatty Lady – Barrier 6 ($7.50)

A black-type winner after saluting in the Listed Just Now Stakes in December 2023 over the 1300-metre distance. Her previous run was a tick after posting the second fastest final 400 metres in the soft-going behind some gun runners in Tamerlane, Zoustyle, Startantes and Ka Bling after coming around the turn the widest from near last.

VERDICT – SECOND PICK Plenty of upside with this Mark Currie-trained mare. I think she’ll relish the 1400 metres and drop in grade. Should be in the finish with the good draw, watch for her charging home.

6) Essonne – Barrier 4 ($3.80)

She’s poised to strike again in her fifth appearance this preparation. The Richard Litt-trained five-year-old is back to her pet distance where she won at Listed level on the same track back in May 2023 in the Silk Stocking. Two runs prior she ran a gutsy second place against Chatty Lady in the Listed Just Now Stakes where she was unlucky not to get clear air earlier.

VERDICT – THIRD PICK As long as the track stays dry, I think she’s a big chance. She carries 56kg on her her back from a great draw. I think she'll be storming home with Chatty Lady in a repeat of the Listed Just Now Stakes where they clashed last month.

7) Jetty – Barrier 15 ($23)

Jetty has been very stiff not to get a win on the board this campaign. The six-year-old returns from a month which is a tick after being 3 from 7 after a freshen. He got pipped on the post by Dune Forty Five in the Mooloolaba Cup (1600m) in November and it was groundhog day for him at Eagle Farm a month later over the 1800-metre distance. He’s won twice at 1400 metres, with one of those victories being after a short spell as he presents this weekend.

VERDICT – If he had of drawn better, I'd be more inclined for an each way play. He’s one that could surprise as he performs well after a short spell.

10) The Elanora – Barrier 8 ($26)

An interesting runner. Previously trained by Chris Waller and has now been transferred into the hands of young local trainer Billy Healy. The Elanora is a two-time Group 3 winner (Spring Stakes and Grand Prix Stakes) and was far from disgraced in his Group 1 outings a couple years ago. Now owned by leviathan NQ horse owner and businessman Tom Hedley, the six-year-old is set to have his first outing at the races this Saturday since June 2022.

VERDICT – VALUE His prior form suggests he should be way to good for these, but I just can’t have him on top considering his lengthy hiatus. Gun hoop Ben Thompson is set to ride which is a massive tick, and I am very sure he wouldn’t take the ride if he thinks The Elanora didn’t have upside. Exotics?

11) Tiger Legend – Barrier 1 ($34)

Gone through the hands of three trainers this five-year-old. In his time with Tony Gollan he was able to notch up a Group 3 win in the Vo Rogue in 2022, but has struggled since, only being able to put up two wins. The good news is that those two wins were from his last two runs with new trainer John Manzelmann, so he’s coming into this with some winning confidence.

VERDICT – I think he’ll ping straight to the front alongside Master Jamie with Jim Byrne aboard, although, I just think the rise in class will find him out in the dying stages. Will need a heavy surface if any chance.

13) Hollywood North – Barrier 10 ($8)

Chasing a hatrick is Hollywood North. Tough to deny that he’s been rising through the grades well, saluting nicely on both occasions this campaign. He makes the jump in grade again this week but gets a nice weight swing with a star jockey booking in Martin Harley taking the ride. The five-year-old is at his pet distance of 1400 which he has won twice at and it's safe to say that Stuart Kendrick is flying. 

VERDICT – Has the ability to win this and put a city victory next to his name, but he'll need everything to go right for him. Luckily he has Martin Harley in the saddle to take care of that. Big chance to run in the top four, keep safe.