It’s the standout staying test of the Autumn Carnival, and we’re set for another outstanding edition of the Sydney Cup at Royal Randwick on Day 2 of The Championships.
A capacity field of twenty gallopers has been taken for the 2023 Sydney Cup, including the likes of reigning Melbourne Cup champion Gold Trip, and last year’s Sydney Cup winner, Knights Order.
I’ve run the rule over the lot, and you can find my 2023 Sydney Cup Tips below.
Suggested Bets
- 4 Units straight out #11 Cleveland
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below
Sydney Cup – Winner
I was with Cleveland when he made is Australian debut in the Tancred Stakes a fortnight ago, and I thought that he just looked a run short.
The Camelot entire has been a great horse for young Irish trainer Joseph O’Brien since debuting, recording two wins and as many second placings from nine starts and finding form around some of the world’s best stayers.
He got going late at Rosehill a fortnight ago, and it looked the run of a horse that would relish getting out to two miles.
The wide barrier isn’t too much of a concern as I think he’ll get back regardless, while Kerrin McEvoy adds further confidence.
Suggested Bet: No. 11 Cleveland
Sydney Cup – 2nd
He is just one of the best horses engaged in the Sydney Cup field, and I think we’ll see Gold Trip back to his best on Day 2 of The Championships.
The Outstrip entire continued to improve with each start throughout his debut Australian campaign, culminating in his dominant performance and victory in the Race That Stops a Nation.
He has returned some decent efforts this time as well, but steps out this week in peak order, with the bonus of James McDonald jumping into the saddle.
Suggested Bet: No. 1 Gold Trip
Sydney Cup – 3rd
Boy Surefire was good in last weekend’s Chairman’s Quality, and I love that he is on the short back up in the Sydney Cup.
Surefire didn’t show his best in the first three starts back this time, but the addition of Joao Moreira last week, added fitness and getting further out in trip, he proved too good for a talented Group 2 field.
He’s rock-hard fit, another that will relish getting further out in trip, and I think that the $16 about him in Sydney Cup betting (at publish) could prove overs.
Suggested Bet: No. 7 Surefire
Sydney Cup – 4th
He continues to improve with each start and as the bar is raised, and I think that Tancred Stakes winner Arapaho can return another strong performance in the Sydney Cup.
The Lope De Vega gelding finished down the order in the Apollo Stakes and the Chipping Norton first and second-up this time, before charging home to win the Canberra Cup at Listed level.
I thought that was about his level, but be proved me and several other pundits wrong by recording his first win at the highest level in the Tancred Stakes last time out.
I don’t think that he can win the Sydney Cup, but he’s rock-hard fit, regular rider Rachel King stays in the saddle, and I think he’ll return his usual honest effort.
Suggested Bet: No. 5 Arapaho
