Godden One Step Away From Grabbing Bulli Gold

TRAINER Anthony Godden will be gazing at the skies above in his quest for group race glory at Bulli on Sunday.

Godden lines up hugely talented litter-brothers Trunkey Bill and Trunkey John in the $40,000-to-the-winner Group 2 Bulli Gold Cup (472m) in what would be the biggest victory of the Bargo-based trainer's career.

FIELDS AND FORM BULLI SUNDAY

And while the gifted sons of former Melbourne Cup winner Dyna Villa both have strong claims, it is Trunkey John, a sizzling 26.01 heat winner, which carries sentimental support.

"I named him after my late father who passed away around the time these dogs were being educated," Godden said.

Trunkey John wins Bulli Gold Cup Heat 2 leading all the way in 26.02 from Zipping Novak and Came And Went.

Full Results: https://t.co/lF7DKOgcmj#thedogs #bullicup pic.twitter.com/MZof5XVlaw

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) February 12, 2023

"When this dog (Trunkey John) broke in as fast as he did I thought it would be a good way to remember dad and it has worked out great.

"Hopefully he's looking down on Sunday with some divine intervention and helps get us across the line."

Trunkey John heads into the Bulli Gold Cup as the winner at 12 of his 33 career starts, including four of his past six.

His brother Trunkey Bill, better known as a stayer, has raced 61 times for 15 successes, qualifying for Sunday's finale with a fast closing third to 26.33 heat winner Rebel Garth.

And if either is successful in the south coast showpiece it will deliver Godden the biggest win of his 28-year training career.

"I bought a bitch when I was 18 called Alvin's Mariah and all these years on Trunkey John and Trunkey Bill trace back to her," Godden explained.

"When Trunkey John broke in the reports were that he was one of the quickest ever but injuries have cost him along the way, you name it he's had it.

"That's why he's only raced 33 times and is nearly four. He's too quick for his own good. But touchwood he's really well at the moment and his form is as good as ever."

Given his rich vein of form Godden is leaning towards Trunkey John as the best of his Cup chances but has warned punters not to underestimate Trunkey Bill from his box one draw.

"I think box five is okay for Trunkey John – he needs to hold out (the eight) Panadero Warrior heading into the first corner," he added.

"But if Trunkey Bill gets the breaks go his way he'll be powering home. One out there is probably only a length or so between them but being a stayer Trunkey Bill doesn't have as much early pace."

Following Sunday's Gold Cup blockbuster, Godden plans on returning Trunkey John to Wentworth Park for the fast approaching Group 1 Golden Easter Egg.

"The Richmond Derby is on before that so I'll go there first and then to the Easter Egg with him," he said.

"But that's providing he comes through well and sound. With the injuries he's had it's hard to plan too far ahead."

The Bulli Gold Cup is race seven on Sunday's card, set to go at 8.07pm.