A talented field of 17 runners have been nominated for an appearance in this weekend’s Group 2 Brisbane Cup (2400m) at Eagle Farm Racecourse, highlighted by several notable performers throughout 2014 so-far.
Moriarty has been included in nominations for the 2014 Brisbane Cup. Photo: Daniel Costello
Recording an impressive victory amongst classy competition in the Group 2 Eagle Farm Cup (2200m) last weekend, trainer Chris Waller has nominated Moriarty for the 2014 Brisbane Cup.
Securing a total of eleven wins and as many minor places from 43 competitive race starts to date, Moriarty is a noted performer in events over the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival; winning the Listed Lord Mayor’s Cup (2000m), finish fourth in the Eagle Farm Cup and strolling home to win the 2013 edition of the Brisbane Cup; all of which throughout the 2013 season.
While unsure if he will accept a position in the final field for the Clodovil gelding, Waller is sure to be represented in the 2014 Brisbane Cup in some capacity, having also nominated Permit and Secessio.
While unable to finish any better than mid-pack in each of his last four appearances on course, Permit is arguably offered his best chance at returning to the winner’s circle in the 2014 Brisbane Cup.
Claiming both the Listed Christmas Cup (2400m) and Listed Tattersalls Club Cup (2400m) in succession over summer, the Dansili gelding is likely to return to the spelling paddock for this weekend’s tilt but is more than a chance of ending his preparation in winning style if allocated a favourable barrier on Wednesday.
Steadily building to the task over three starts this time in, Secessio arguably offers Waller his best chance of success in the Brisbane Cup should Moriarty not accept.
Finishing an unlucky seventh when blocked for a run in the Dunkirk 3.y.o+ (1600m) first-up on April 25th, the Konigstiger gelding produced a strong turn of foot to finish third in the Listed Lord Mayor’s Cup on May 10th before repeating the dose in the WJ McKell Cup (2400m) last time out.
Also included in nominations for the 2014 Brisbane Cup is Mr O’Ceirin.
Finishing just off the pace of Moriarty in the Eagle Farm Cup last weekend, Mr O’Ceirin has returned to racing in largely good form this season; overcoming a disappointing run for eleventh in the Group 3 Victoria Handicap (1400m) first-up with an impressive second to Streama in the Group 2 Hollindale Stakes (1800m) on May 3rd.
Unlucky to be blocked for a run and seventh in the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) in his only other start prior to the Eagle Farm Cup, trainer Ciaron Maher is confident the step-up to 2400 metres this weekend is precisely what is needed for Mr O’Ceirin to return to winning ways.
Finishing third in the Hollindale Stakes first-up this season, well-trialled gelding Precedence is arguably the most experienced runner nominated for the 2014 Brisbane Cup, and offers trainers Bart and James Cummings a great chance of success at Eagle Farm this weekend.
A mainstay in major events over the first four years of his racing career, which included three attempts on the Melbourne Cup, Precedence has continued to produce strong and consistent racing preparations over recent seasons; winning both the Group 2 Drake International Cup (2500m) and Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) most notably throughout the spring of 2013.
Finishing second to fellow Brisbane Cup nominee Zephyron in the Group 3 Premier’s Cup (2200m) last time out, the Zabeel gelding has arguably received the ideal lead-in to this weekend’s Group 2.
A notable performer of the in-form Team Hawkes stable this season, Zephyron will be aiming for a third-consecutive race win when lining up for the Brisbane Cup this weekend, having claimed both the Lord Mayor’s Cup at Rosehill and Premier’s Cup most recently.
A final field and barrier draw for the 2014 Brisbane Cup is due to be released on Wednesday morning.
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2014 Brisbane Cup Nominations
| # | Horse | Trainer | Hcp Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ANGOLA | Pat Carey | 87 |
| 2 | DESTINY’S KISS | Joseph Pride | – |
| 3 | FALAMONTE (NZ) | Robbie Laing | – |
| 4 | FLORIA (NZ) | Peter G Moody | 99 |
| 5 | FREEZY (IRE) | Anthony Freedman | – |
| 6 | HISTORIAN (NZ) | Gary Alton | 105 |
| 7 | MORIARTY (IRE) | Chris Waller | 109 |
| 8 | MR O’CEIRIN (NZ) | Ciaron Maher | 104 |
| 9 | PERMIT (GB) | Chris Waller | – |
| 10 | PRECEDENCE (NZ) | Bart & James Cummings | – |
| 11 | PRETTY PINS (NZ) | John P Thompson | 97 |
| 12 | RAEBURN | Brian Smith | 86 |
| 13 | SECESSIO (GB) | Chris Waller | – |
| 14 | SKYSOBLUE (NZ) | Graeme Sanders | 94 |
| 15 | WALDPARK (GER) | Anthony Freedman | – |
| 16 | ZENNISTA (NZ) | Lisa Latta | 102 |
| 17 | ZEPHYRON (NZ) | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | 101 |
