Form Preview: Maitland Gold Cup Heats

In the lead up to Thursday's Group 2 Ladbrokes sponsored Maitland Gold Cup heats (450m) we have an in depth look at the five qualifiers, and try and pluck out some of the better chances on the program.

Heat by heat guide to Thursday's Maitland Gold Cup heats

Race 2 – HEAT 1

Big race performer SHE'S GIFTED (4) returns to racing in the Maitland Cup heats after sadly being scratched from the recent Australian Cup Final. Outstanding bitch, she's flown around Maitland in 24.78 (third start, Dec, 17) in the past and with age a maturity she's going better now. HARDAWAY TITAN (3) is unbeaten in three Maitland runs for Ron Marsden, and has won 13 of 14 overall, pretty imposing at 38 kilos and he runs fast times for run. Would chase through a brick wall and can't wait to see him at what's considered his toughest test to date. PRECIOUS SAL (1) holds the Maitland 400m record at 21.87 and she stormed up Capalaba on Sunday in 19.64 – nothing got near that. She's not getting any younger but the zest for racing is well and truly still there and box one is a bonus. CORYKODI (2) was only beaten a length in a mix-up race last Thursday at his first look at the track. Don't be surprised to see him jump out of the ground from the nice draw. Terrific start to the heats, would be surprised if the winner doesn't come from the inside four.
TIPS: 4,3,2,1

Watch Precious Sal break the Maitland 400m track record

Race 4 – HEAT 2

Cracking second heat, where sitting up in the red, FERNANDO BLASTER (1) should take plenty of beating at his Maitland debut for Terry Jordan. A sizzling 29.74 Albion Park winner last start, the son of Fernando Bale should be ideally suited to Maitland. BURNING FUEL (2) ran a flying 26.18 at Bulli a few weeks back for Mark Wilcox and she's won four of her five Maitland starts, including a 24.95 run. She's quality plus. SLINGSHOT HAMMER (3) butters up after finishing down the track in Friday's Richmond Derby Final. His trainer Rob Camilleri is in top form, but will this be a bit nippy for him? We'll see. CEE JAY'S BOY (6) racing well in easier grade, can run time but will need to go to another level for this.
TIPS: 1,2,3,6

Watch Fernando Blaster's sizzling last start Albion Park win 

Race 6 – HEAT 3

We see last year's Maitland Cup winner ASTON DUKE (3) go around in heat three. Has had the three runs back from a spell and there's been plenty of merit about each of them, including last week's narrow second to Riley Tokaam after missing the kick. Boasts an outstanding Maitland record and trained by one of the best in the business in Jason Mackay. Has a sense of timing about him. BLACK FORGE (8) deserves a big race beside his name for Darren Sultana and this may be it. Well drawn in eight, he comes into the series off placings in two recent group events and loves Maitland. Expect that pair to dominate the market along with GOOD ODDS BUDDY (1) for Frank Hurst. Sizzled around Wenty two runs back in 29.77 and whilst he's giving away plenty of experience, is improving every time he goes into the boxes. NANGAR GIFT (4) for the exotics, just doesn't know how to run a bad race.
TIPS: 8,3,1,4

Watch Aston Duke win the 2018 Maitland Gold Cup

Race 8 – HEAT 4

Heat four sees series equal favourite and track record holder PINDARI EXPRESS (3) strut his stuff. Last start winner of the Group 2 Cyril Rowe Gold Cup at Bulli in 26.16 and from box three today you'd be brave to bet against the son of Fabregas as he looks to keep his unbeaten Maitland record intact. To think he's run 24.59 around here – and may well be capable of quicker – boy! The danger looks to be Victorian DYNA HUNTER (8) for Steve Collins. Box eight is ideal for the son of Fernando Bale if he can pinch a break midrace. 450 pulls him up but if he grabs a march and there's trouble behind? ELUSIVE WAVE (2) should have won last week and she hasn't missed a place in eight appearances at Maitland. But it's all about the fav in heat four – can run times other dogs can't, not a bad attribute to have.
TIPS: 3,2,8,7

Watch Pindari Express break the Maitland 450m track record

Race 9 – HEAT 5

The last of the heats where Victorian NERVOUS AN WEIRD (6) continues his one-turn Cups campaign for Andrew Paraskevas. Finished second to Pindari Express in the Bulli Gold Plate three runs back, before on Saturday finished runner-up to Orson Allen in the Horsham Cup after leading. His time will come and it may well be here at Maitland. Fellow Victorian DYNA HUNTER (1) has drawn the red for his Maitland debut, the Warragul Cup winner from earlier in the year looking to recapture his best form. Big show. While they look the class, along with Paws Of Thunder winner BUCK'S FUTURE (8) making his Maitland debut from box eight, FLYING APOLLO (3) is the big watch for Jason Mackay, more than likely at some value.
TIPS: 6,1,8,4

Watch Dyna Hunter win the 2019 Warragul Cup Final