Scurry Gold Cup Preview: Boherbradda Mac has the edge on high class Horseshoe Ping but only just

Sky Previews / Darrell Williams / 18 June 2008 / Leave a Comment

Sky cameras head to Perry Barr on Thursday night for the Scurry Gold Cup, the highlight of an eight race live card, with the feature looking an absolute belter.

Defending champion Horseshoe Ping proved he is once again a major contender when overcoming a slow start to comfortably account for his semi-final rivals, and given that this competition is his first since reaching the Golden Sprint final in April he must have every chance of going very close again. Remarkably, for such a high class sprinter he is prone to missing the break as he did in the first round, and more significantly in last year's final, although it doesn't seem to stop him.

Having already suggested Boherbradda Mac and Swift Sapphire before the first round, I'd be tempted to cover myself with a saver on Horseshoe Ping, although if you got involved at the beginning there are obviously other ways to trade out. If forced to choose, I'd still marginally rather be with Boherbradda Mac than Horseshoe Ping as I expect Swift Sapphire to edge inwards, and given that he is potentially the quickest starter that could hold up Blonde Jet, who took full advantage of a trap one draw in the semis. All of which should allow the selection plenty of racing room, especially if Horseshoe Ping did happen to slightly miss time the break, and given the tremendous run that Harry Williams' dog is enjoying, he'll take some stopping if he gets on the bunny.

The preceding four bend race at 9.25 features the return of high class Farloe Hurricane, winner of last year's Gymcrack, but unraced since finishing runner-up in the Racing Post Juvenile in February. Barrie Draper has given him plenty of time and trials, some of which read very well, and he'll run a big race, but given his long time absence, I just fancy Derby semi-finalist Toosey Blue to come out on top. John Mullins runner was also a finalist in the Blue Riband, as was Tyrur Rocky, whose early pace might hold up 'Hurricane'.

Mullins might also be on the mark in the other four bend race (8.00) with Derby finalist Blonde Dino, who is a marginal choice over course specialist Rev Counter. I was tempted to put the latter up given his track record of three wins from four, but the Eclipse winner has only just returned to the track, which may just give the in-form selection the edge.

Elsewhere, Magna Wish looks the one to beat in the puppy race (8.35) if he can reproduce his recent Belle Vue form, which look by some way the best lines on offer, while Olygirl can capture the 'Super Stayers' race at 9.10. She's been running well over six bends at Hove and should have enough early pace to overcome a wider than ideal draw.