CUP DAY IS HERE

Cup day has dawned bright and sunny and we have three live chances at home today, headed by Whisky On The Hill in the Australian Heritage Cup.

Whisky On The Hill (pictured) endured a luckless run last time out in the Bendigo Cup and co-trainer Glen Thompson is hopeful luck will be on his side today in the 2800 metre contest.

“He’s come through that unscathed but it was a hard watch in the home straight,” co-trainer Glen Thompson said. “Nothing Ethan could do about it, in fairness it didn’t cost him winning but he arguably should have been second and the winner Sea King in a big chance in the Cup today.

“One little query on the distance but he gives us every impression he will handle it and all things being equal we expect him to prove hard to beat today.”

Plymouth is the first to go in the second race, the TAB Trophy at Listed level over 1800 metres and better known as the Batman Stakes.

Plymouth is showing genuine promise and the stable are looking forward to testing the three-year-old at Flemington.

“He’s in good order and we can’t fault him,” Glen said. “He looked magnificent when we paraded him at our owners’ day on Sunday.

“He got a fair way back from the wide barrier last start at Caulfield but the form is looking good with the winner coming out and winning a Group race here on Derby day.

“He won his maiden beating Hot Too Go who was not disgraced in the Derby so today from barrier seven he should be able to sit a bit closer and then be there to finish off.”

Brandjam runs in the fourth race over 1000 metres with Declan Bates to ride.

“He just got very wound up last start at Moonee Valley at Group level then wanted to get it over and done with in a hurry,” Glen said.

“It will be interesting to see how he handles the straight course. He’s definitely a talent, he just needs to harness his exuberance and if he can relax then he’s good enough to feature in the finish.”