Disappointing Brinks still favourite for Bridge 99 FM Cup

BRINKS CONTINUES to be the most disappointing graduate of last year’s classic-placed runners - yet to win an overnight-allowance race in eight tries - going off as the favourite in six of his last nine events, amid a no-hope, race-filling run among open-allowance company in August.

However, Saturday’s Bridge 99 FM Cup at seven furlongs appears tailor-made for the Bern Identity-Indian Bluff gelding, who is at his best when able to control the tempo of his races, which should be the case with no matching speed capable of upsetting his rhythm.

The imported runners in the event – CHAMPION BUBBLER, TAURUS BOY and SISTREN TREASURE – have proven rather inconsistent. CHAMPION BUBBLER and SISTREN TREASURE, both fillies, tend to run a good one every other race, whereas TAURUS BOY is often erratic at the start.

Local-bred I REALISE has strong claims to back class, impressively winning four races last season. However, the Northern Giant-Regina Royale gelding hasn’t raced since April 29 when outclassed in third place by last year’s St Leger winner, BLUE VINYL, at a mile.

Using BLUE VINYL as a marker, the St Leger winner had beaten BRINKS two weeks prior, but by only three and three-quarter lengths, whereas he had demolished I REALISE by 11 lengths.

I REALISE has looked sharp at exercise, clocking a solid 48.0 for four furlongs, galloping out the mile chute. However, BRINKS is race-fit, having run six times during I REALISE’s absence, including his two most recent efforts, a battling third to LUKSOL and POWER RANKING at a trip short of his best on last and fair third behind STOMP THE RHYTHM in his previous race.

Sitting at 119lb, BRINKS should get a great start from his wide draw to have the field in his crosshairs before Omar Walker shows his mount’s ace, sustained speed, leaving the half-mile marker, killing any chance topweight SISTREN TREASURE might harbour of mounting a rally in the stretch run.