Below: Show Barry streets the field in last year’s Cranbourne Cup.By Marc McGowan
LAST year’s Cranbourne Cup winner Show Barry will skip Sunday’s event in the hope of making the Caulfield Cup field for the feature race on October 21.
Show Barry’s trainer John Rattle feels the six days between the Cranbourne and Caulfield Cups would not be enough for his horse to sufficiently recover.
“It’s just too soon and he would get 59 kilograms, too,” he said.
“Last year it was a week and a half prior; it’s just asking too much.”
It comes on the back of the Cranbourne Turf Club’s decision to switch the race from its usual Wednesday slot.
Cranbourne Turf Club chief executive Neil Bainbridge said the change was a decision made on timing.
“We want to make it more accessible to the wider community,” he said.
Bainbridge did not feel a particular crowd figure would justify the move, but is hoping for a crowd of more than ten thousand.
“Crowds are dependant on weather and other variables. It will be successful if people enjoy themselves,” he said.
“At first glance, it’s a better field than last year; it’s a very deep field. Sundays not only provide patrons with an opportunity to attend, but the trainers also.”
Bainbridge said he was not disappointed by Show Barry’s absence and felt the six-day break between the Cups left enough time in between.
“Show Barry has stepped up and has been competing at a higher level. He had a run on Saturday, so there was no certainty that he would have run, anyway,” he said.
Rattle refuted this claim, though, and said that he definitely would have had another shot in different circumstances.
“If it wasn’t so close, we would have had another go,” he said.
Bainbridge understands Rattle’s perspective, but was eager to highlight the positives of the move.
“I’m rapt for John Rattle; I hope he goes very well. There would be nothing better for Cranbourne than for Show Barry to win the Caulfield Cup,” he said.
“It would have been terrific for the club (for Show Barry to race in the Cranbourne Cup), but that’s a decision for John,” he said.
“In saying that, other trainers will have a different view and you can’t please everyone.
“You have to remember that the showcase day for country racing is Sunday.”
Bainbridge also defended the club’s decision not to run it a week earlier.
“Having it this Sunday, it is in the heart of the Spring Carnival and comes a day after the Caulfield Guineas. Racing is at fever pitch, so for Cranbourne to have a feature race in this time period is outstanding,” he said.
The club will now look to gain Group 3 status for the race next year, after their first application for the elevation was rejected.
Bainbridge said the club had the backing of Racing Victoria, but was unfortunately knocked back by the Australian Racing Board.
“The Cranbourne Cup has rated higher than the minimum qualification for Group 3 status the last few years, so it’s just a matter of being accepted,” he said.
“There is only one group listed race in country racing, which is the Geelong Cup. It would be fantastic for the region.”
As for Rattle, he will continue to hold out hope for a Caulfield Cup start.
“He might not get a run at Caulfield, but it’s the chance of a lifetime to have a Caulfield Cup runner,” he said.
