Trainer Andrew Gluyas is confident that his five-year-old mare Arugamama can benefit from a smart placement in the Group 3 Hobart Cup (2400m) on Sunday.
Although Gluyas hasn’t raced in Tasmania often as a solo trainer, his past success with Leon Macdonald, including a 2018 Hobart Cup victory with Pretty Punk, who is Arugamama’s half-sister, fuels his optimism.
“Leon was sort of a stalwart of bringing horses down here,” Gluyas said.
He continued, “Our last effort was Pretty Punk, so we’re having another crack.”
Arugamama has won six of 28 starts, including two recent victories over 2400m and 2500m in Adelaide. She placed fourth at Flemington over 2000m, a shorter distance that Gluyas believes wasn’t ideal for her.
“We used that as a stepping stone to get here,” he explained. “She raced well, rallied in the straight to run fourth. So that was a pass mark for us.”
Despite being Arugamama’s twelfth race since August last year, Gluyas is pleased with her fitness and preparation.
“She’s in good form, having had a solid campaign since October,” he said.
Jamie Melham, who rode Gluyas’ Group 1-winning horse Goldrush Guru, will take the ride on Sunday at 54kg.
“Having a top jockey like that gives you confidence,” Gluyas said.
Arugamama, starting from the widest barrier, is a strong $3.30 second favourite in the betting apps for the Hobart Cup, trailing only Promises Kept at $2.80.