Cavalry Man a contender for Ipswich Cup
Lindsay Gough anticipates Robbie Dolan's extensive experience in major Cups will be key for Cavalry Man on Saturday, despite the disadvantage of barrier ten in the Ipswich 2150-metre race.
This is in contrast to the Melbourne Cup, but for Ipswich and the broader Queensland racing scene, this weekend's feature event is a significant occasion.
The Eagle Farm-based Gough has Cavalry Man entered for the Listed Ipswich Cup, aiming to achieve his stable's first black-type success since 2013.
Cavalry Man's most recent performance saw him win a benchmark 60 event at Eagle Farm over 1810m as a $3 favourite, according to leading Aussie betting sites. This time, Gough hopes the gelding can overcome a potential 'flat spot' at the crucial moments.
"He worked nicely into it but just when they straightened he probably got a bit flat for a few strides," Gough shared. "It is hard to say but they might have dashed a little bit quicker than him but he looked the winner from the furlong."
"He has prepped up well but we have our fingers cross from a sticky draw," Gough commented on the barrier ten draw. "I've done my job so it is up to Robbie Dolan now. I'll leave it to him. He's competed at the top level winning the Melbourne Cup and he's ridden more winners than me.
"Ideally we'd like to get some cover."
For Gough, who typically trains between 15 and 20 horses, there might be some comfort knowing that five of the last ten Ipswich Cups have been won from barriers 10 to 12.
The five-year-old is currently second in line for the event's betting at $5, with Matthew Dunn's Belvedere Boys leading the market at $3.70 according to popular betting apps Australia. Consider exploring online bookmakers for the latest Ipswich Cup markets.
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