Firm track not ideal for Touristic in the 2025 Grafton Cup

Trainer Peter Snowden is keeping his options open for Touristic’s return to the Grafton Cup (2350m), with dry weather conditions casting doubt over the gelding’s participation on Thursday.

Touristic ran a brave second in the same race last year and was set for another shot at the staying feature, but firm going might prompt Snowden to hold him back for another target.

“We’ve had the Grafton Cup in mind, but without rain the track might not suit,” Snowden explained. “He ran a super race there last year and he’s in top shape again now.”

Touristic has been a consistent performer through a long campaign, including a Listed win in the Lord Mayors Cup and a solid finish last start in the McKell Cup (2000m).

Snowden noted the gelding has pulled up brilliantly from recent runs and continues to thrive in his routine. “He’s got plenty of zest, even this deep into his prep,” he said.

Glory Daze, trained by Ciaron Maher, also holds an entry for the Grafton Cup, though a softer track would be preferred. He’s also accepted for a 2000m race at Flemington as a backup.

“He handles both conditions, but ideally we’d like a little sting out of the ground,” said Maher’s assistant Johann Gerard-Dubord. “We’ll assess both options before confirming a run.”

Punters eyeing the Grafton Cup should review the top odds and promotions available across Australia’s leading betting sites.