Tulloch Lodge a Major chance for 2025 Summer Cup success
Two stablemates, two different journeys, and one Boxing Day target for Tulloch Lodge.
Adrian Bott admits there is little between Major Beel and Shangri La Spring as they prepare to lock horns again in the Group 3 Summer Cup (2000m).
The pair last met in late November when Major Beel finished just ahead of Shangri La Spring in the ATC Cup (2000m), continuing the former’s return to winning form.
Major Beel, the 2023 ATC Australian Derby winner, has since been kept fresh alongside his stablemate with Bott carefully spacing their preparations.
“They both came through the ATC Cup last start, and they’ve had a bit of time since then,” Bott said.
“We have tried to follow a similar formula for them going into this race.
“They’ve had a nice tick over trial, and both looked in good shape.
“There was plenty of merit to both their runs on the day and it’s going to be hard to split them again.”
While Major Beel has not added many wins since his Derby triumph, Bott said his performances in top company underline his ability, including a close fifth in the 7 Stakes (1600m).
His ATC Cup win was his first in 14 months and Bott said the timing and conditions finally fell into place.
“Very satisfying. He has obviously been a great horse to us,” he said.
“Even though he’d been running well, he lacked a bit of consistency, or it had been hard to find the right conditions for him.
“Things worked out well for him last start and it’s a nice program to get both of them through to Magic Millions, potentially, off the back of it.
“They both look to have done fantastic. Conditions on the day, the draw and factors in running, that may be what splits them ultimately.”
The Summer Cup field numbers 11, with the handicap headed by The Ingham (1600m) runner-up Estadio Mestalla.
Betting markets for the Summer Cup can be found via the Australian betting sites list.
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