The Group 3 David Jones Cup (2000m) betting market has been sent into a spin following the scratching of favourite Brambles after he gained a start in the $3 million Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) the same day.
Signoff (centre) is our pick to win the 2014 David Jones Cup. Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia.
There are now 12 runners featured in the 2014 David Jones Cup, running as Race 7 on Caulfield Cup Day at 4:20pm (AEDT).
A number of key entries have seen their prices slashed in a bid to find a new favourite, with five of the runners offering single figure odds. Noble Protector leads the David Jones Cup betting market at Ladbrokes.com.au having been slashed from $7.50 to $3.80.
The Robert Smerdon-trained mare will get a good start from barrier three with Craig Williams in the saddle.
The British import has had just one spring start, the Listed Galtres Stakes (2400m) for which she placed third. She also had an impressive winter season, taking out two wins and a second. This will be her first step up to black type racing.
The other runners offering single figure odds are Signoff ($4.20), Contributer ($5.50), Kingdoms and Vilanova ($8.50).
1st
#9 Signoff ($4.20)
Darren Weir’s gelding will jump from the middle of the field with Glen Boss to ride, but has proved he is successful from wider gates after a fast-finishing second in the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) from gate 12. Last Saturday’s Herbert Power was his last start and he’ll back up one week later in the David Jones Cup. Has proven to be a successful stayer and potentially should have won the Herbert Power after working into the race after the bend before being hampered.
2nd
#7 Vilanova ($8.50)
This four-year-old gelding was third in the Group 3 Craven Plate (2000m) his last time out, and while his rivals from that race are lining up in the Caulfield Cup, Vilanova will have to make do with the David Jones Cup, where he will look to blitz past the rest of the field after getting a good start from barrier two. Has already proved successful over the distance.
3rd
#8 Commanding Time ($10)
Sitting just outside the single figure betting is this seven-year-old gelding, winner of the Benalla Cup (2046m) last time out on October 5. He won the Benalla Cup comfortably by one length and has already proven a winner over the 2000m distance. Also has two minor placing from his four spring starts.
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*All odds quoted are Fixed Win from Ladbrokes.com.au and subject to change
