TAB Australian Cup contenders
The Group 1 TAB Australian Cup, first run in 1863, has grown into one of Australia’s most prestigious weight-for-age races.
Originally a long-distance handicap, it underwent several distance changes before shifting to weight-for-age conditions in 1979, dramatically increasing prize money and attracting elite competition.
This transformation elevated the race’s status, producing an honour roll of champions, including Vo Rogue, Northerly, Makybe Diva, and Saintly.
This classic 2000-metre race often brings together the best middle-distance horses. Key runners will be horses that have excelled in the past couple of months, particularly those with consistent form at the distance.
Who will add their name to the list of Flemington 2000-metre champions?
ATISHU (NZ)
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Atishu has a strong affinity for Flemington and the 2000-metre distance. She claimed victory in the 2023 TAB Champions Stakes and secured second place in the same race last year, following stablemate Via Sistina. Additionally, she achieved third place in last year's Australian Cup. Notably, two of her three Group 1 wins occurred at Flemington, encompassing last year’s Empire Rose Stakes and the Champions Stakes the year prior. During the All-Star Mile, she settled last but displayed a commendable finish, securing fifth place, 3.41 lengths behind Tom Kitten.
LIGHT INFANTRY MAN (FR)
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He has recently taken his game to another level, delivering on the potential he displayed as a younger horse. He won his first G1 in the Northerly Stakes at Ascot in December last year. After a freshen up, he resumed with a sixth in the Futurity Stakes and then a third in the All-Star Mile. The step out to 2000 metres will suit him.
MIDDLE EARTH (GB)
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Middle Earth, a Group 2 placegetter at Royal Ascot last year, was purchased by Australian connections and has created a strong impression. He won the Australian Cup Prelude at Flemington, defeating stablemate Duke De Sessa, and looks to be a formidable contender.
PRIDE OF JENNI
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The 2023-2024 Australian Horse Of The Year proved she was back in town when she led throughout to win the G2 Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield at her first start this year. It was the Jenni of old setting up a big break and then defying her rivals in the straight. She ran a tremendous race in last year’s Australian Cup where she was grabbed late by Cascadian. She loves Flemington and with her high rolling style her presence will be a great attraction.
ZARDOZI
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She is expected to race very well in the Australian Cup. She finished strongly, placing second behind Pride of Jenni in the Peter Young Stakes, in a race where the winner set the pace. Zardozi has proven in the past that she consistently races well at Flemington, and the increase to 2000m suits her perfectly.
