The JC Gold Cup – Grade I (P7) [BC]
1 1/4 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $750.0o0 Open 3 Year Olds And Up.

1st Jake The Snake, trained by Mb Stables
Before today this gelding had won a grade three by a nose and got beaten in his only other graded start. But today he took one of the biggest scalps at HRP in beating Ginger Haggis. Travelling just off the speed he got a dream break through on the rail and showed plenty of guts to out battle the three year old star. So just how good is he heading into the Classic and will he even make the tope three in Mb Stables entries? Well he has won seven from nine this year and has come a long way since being beaten in a cheap state bred optional claimer back in March so who knows, maybe he is now the main danger to Atomic Twister and A One.

2nd Ginger Haggis, trained by the Sidley Stud
The draw was always a concern for this superstar and in the end it has to be said that he probably travelled a few lengths further than the winner as he tracked wide for much of the race so ran as well as could be hoped by his army of supporters. I havent seen him stalk like this before and i dont think we will see it again if he draws inside ten in the BC but if he is stuck out in the cheap seats again his owner may use this tactic to give him his best chance. This defeat wont harm his chances next month.

3rd Steel Will, trained by Defoe
I think i can now officially stop calling this one the sprinter that runs in routes. Making the running from the wide gate was a bold move but he stuck on so well that he was beaten less than a length in the end. Who knows with a better draw and a little more restraint he may have got even closer to the winner

4th Silver Dancer, trained by Night Rider Stables
Like the runner up he had to run wide for most of the race but he ran on very nicely and confirmed the good effort in the Pacific Classic. Given an inside draw come the big day we may be able to hear Night Riders enthusiasm loud and clear as they hit the straight in the Classic.

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