Despite drawing barrier ten for the Ipswich 2150-metre start, Lindsay Gough is placing his faith in Robbie Dolan’s experience in larger Cups to guide Cavalry Man to success on Saturday.
The ‘bigger’ Cup mentioned is the Melbourne Cup, but for Ipswich and Queensland racing, this weekend’s event is a significant highlight.
Cavalry Man, prepared by Eagle Farm’s Gough, will contest the Listed Ipswich Cup, aiming to secure the stable’s first black-type win since 2013.
In his last outing, Cavalry Man, a $3 favourite, won at benchmark 60 level over 1810m at Eagle Farm. However, Gough is hopeful the gelding, a gelding, can avoid a mid-race ‘flat spot’ this time.
“He worked nicely into it but just when they straightened he probably got a bit flat for a few strides,” Gough stated. “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 added regarding barrier ten. “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.”
Gough, who manages a stable of approximately 15 to 20 horses, might find some solace in the fact that five of the last ten Ipswich Cups have been won from barriers 10 to 12.
Currently, the five-year-old is listed at $5 for the Ipswich Cup, with Matthew Dunn’s Belvedere Boys the $3.70 favourite according to popular betting apps Australia. You can find competitive racing odds on Cavalry Man at various Australian betting sites.