It’s the final jewel in the crown this afternoon in Cairns as it brings an end to the North Queensland Winter Carnival, with the running of the $150,000 Cairns Cup (2100m) and the $50,000 Daintree Guineas (1500m).
Soft 5 - Rail: True
Cairns Cup (Race 8)
Tutelage - $12 @ Sportsbet
I’ve been harping on about Tutelage for a little while now and he looks absolutely primed for his grand final this afternoon. The Janel Ryan-trained 5YO has had a near-perfect campaign, winning well at the track and trip on July 13 with 59kg, before dropping back in trip to 1500m and then stepping back out to 1800m at Innisfail last start, where he won by a long-neck over Brilliant Mind with 58kg. Chris Whiteley stays in the saddle for today’s assignment and he drops down to 54kg which is a big tick. The barrier (16) is the only concern, but he is in form at the right time of year and gets conditions to suit.
Daintree Guineas (Race 9)
Cleaver Greene - $2.45 @ Sportsbet
The big grey looks primed to get the job done in the Guineas this afternoon and can send favourite-backers home a winner. Cleaver Greene won three straight races this prep, before running second to the in-form Namazu, sho starts favourite in the Cairns Cup. Ashley Butler keeps the ride on Cleaver Greene, gets 1kg less thanks to the scratching of Namazu, and has drawn ideally in the three alley. He is a two-time winner at Cairns and the 1500m will suit. He should jump, lead and win.
Selections:
Race 1: Palencia 🔒
Race 4: Prince of Morocco
Race 5: Willygood
Race 8: Tutelage
Race 9: Cleaver Greene
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