Trainer Rob Gulberti is looking to snare his second consecutive Port Hedland Cup (2200m) when he saddles consistent gelding, Galaxon, in the $40,000 feature on Monday.
Gulberti grabbed the honours last year after Galaxon produced a powerhouse run from the tail of the field to run over the top of Devilish Intent and pacesetter, Fa’Em.
Giving Gulberti added confidence he can join Anne King and Kevin Mahoney as multiple Port Hedland Cup winner’s, is Galaxon’s form this campaign.
It’s arguably far superior to 12 months back with two wins and two placings from four starts at Broome and Derby since resuming from a spell in June.
Last fortnight in the Roadline Civil Contracting Cup (1800m) he proved too strong for Gold Broker and Garnesh, running on to win by a half-length.
Gold Broker is a capable stayer who won the Esperance Cup (2000m) and ran placings in the Geraldton Cup (2100m) and Narrogin Cup (1900m).
The Strada gelding, prepared by veteran trainer, Frank Maynard, franked the form with a dominant on pace victory in Saturday’s Kimberley Cup (2020m).
Kyra Yuill, fresh from a Broome double on the weekend, retains the ride on Galaxon. In a field of ten rivals she starts from barrier two.
“He ran a really good race the other day (Kimberley Cup) and wasn’t knocked around,” said Yuill on TABradio.
“There is a fair bit of speed in the race and he will be back in his normal position with hopefully a few behind him.
“Hopefully he can run on and do what he did last year when winning the Cup.”
The TAB has Galaxon as a $3.90 chance. Shading him for favouritism at $3.80 is This Cat Rocks, making his race debut for Jaqueline Henderson.
The son of Fastnet Rock, previously in the care of Justin Warwick, is coming off a last-start second to Ain’t Bad at Pinjarra on July 16.
On the third line of betting at $5.50 is the Kevin McAullay-trained Saxon’s Patch who has won four of five races this preparation.
The Saxon mare’s sole defeat was in the Roebourne Cup (2200m) when she ran a long-neck second to Comfortably in a tight finish.
Comfortably and Rive Gauche, third in the Roebourne Cup, are the only remaining runners under double figures.
RWWA: Julio Santarelli