Last Look at Auckland Cup Week Form
New Zealand racing fans are gearing up for Auckland Cup Week at Ellerslie, which kicks off with the Group 1 New Zealand Derby next Saturday, March 04. The Derby’s $1 million purse, along with the $500,000 Group 1 Auckland Cup on March 11, makes this the most lucrative week in New Zealand racing.
Sports betting enthusiasts saw some of the horses on the Auckland Cup Week card put through their paces one last time at Ellerslie last Saturday, in two Group 2 races: the Avondale Guineas and Avondale Cup.
These are usually useful races to spot potential winners for Auckland Cup Week, but the grim weather on Saturday did not make the picture any clearer, as the heavy going favoured outsiders. Of course, if the conditions are similar on March 04 or 11, punters may want to back the outsiders anyway.
Chenille Still Auckland Cup Favourite
At $4.50, 5-year-old mare Chenille remains the favourite for the 3200m Auckland Cup, even though she finished only seventh in the 2400m Avondale Cup on Saturday. However, she doesn’t do well on slow tracks, so if she gets good or dead conditions on March 11, it should be a totally different story.
The Avondale Cup was won by 10-year-old gelding El Soldado, repeating his surprise win in last year’s Auckland Cup. If the weather is rough on Auckland Cup Day, he will be well worth a punt at $21.00. So will Jacksstar, at $14.00. The 5-year-old gelding managed sixth place in the Avondale Cup, and was also runner-up in the Wellington Cup earlier this year.
If the going is good on March 11, on the other hand, punters may prefer Fanatic, Pentathlon or Five To Midnight: all are currently at $10.00 or less.
Gingernuts Delivers Avondale Guineas Upset
The 2100m Avondale Guineas was won by Gingernuts on Saturday, and as a result the 3-year-old gelding is now at $8.00 for the New Zealand Derby on March 04. Sacred Elixir was the early favourite for the Derby, but also only finished seventh in the Guineas.
As a result, the gelding has slipped to second favourite for the Derby at $5.00, with colt Savile Row, who did not run on Saturday, but was runner-up at Te Rapa’s 2000m Herbi Dyle Stakes two weeks ago, the new favourite at $4.50.
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More About Gary Hicks
When it comes to knowing what’s going on, on the track, field or any other sporting arena, Gary Hicks is your man. With an almost unrivalled passion for journalism, sports and betting Gary decided to combine his love of all 3 and share his expertise with the world.
In the last few years Gary has risen through the ranks and prides himself on always keeping a finger on the pulse of what’s hot and happening in the sports betting world. Gary is the resident news expert at OnlineBettingNZ.co.nz and his articles make for invaluable fodder for any avid punter.
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