Lots Of Chatter Chasing Gosford Cup Glory

THERE is something about the Gosford Cup that agrees with Graeme Jose.

In recent years the group 1 winning Victorian trainer has made a habit of targeting the group 2 series with that trend set to continue on Tuesday night, represented by Lots Of Chatter and Aston Shine in four star-studded heats.

"I really like getting to Gosford when the chance presents – it's a good change-up to racing the top Victorian dogs week in and week out," Jose said.

FIELDS AND FORM GOSFORD TUESDAY

"We've brought a few dogs up over the years and made the final with One Required in 2018. Hopefully we can have some luck on Tuesday night and maybe qualify for the final this year as well."

Jose's assault on this year's Gosford Cup is spearheaded by his grand campaigner Lots Of Chatter which has drawn box one in heat two of the Beast Unleashed at Stud sponsored series.

Winner at 32 of his 90 career starts with a further 29 placings, the son of Fernando Bale and Alotta Luck goes into the series as a slick last start Ballarat winner.

A multiple group race finalist, it was just seven starts back that he finished a career best second to Paua Of Buddy in the Group 2 Bendigo Cup (425m).

"He's just been a wonderful greyhound," beamed Jose.

"If you go through his form he's basically been racing the best dogs in Victoria right through his career and he's rarely far away. He's not getting any younger but he's still racing as well as ever and box one is worth a good two lengths to him in his heat.

"If he comes out cleanly on Tuesday night I think we'll see a really forward race from him. He trialled at Warragul last week and went as good as he goes."

Lots Of Chatter will be buttering up for his second Gosford Cup on Tuesday night with Jose prepared to put a line through last year's tilt.

"Because of Covid I had to leave him up there last year for the series and he just didn't handle me not being there at all," Jose said.

"He and I are basically joined at the hip. He's different to any other dog I've had, he almost talks to me. As I said, he's pretty special this fella."

Lots Of Chatter is $3.30 with TopSport to take out heat two of the Gosford Cup just behind Sound Of Silence (box 2) at $3.00. Derry Express (box 7) is the other major player in betting at $3.70.

And while optimistic about Lots Of Chatter's chances, Jose is equally buoyant about Aston Shine's prospects, on one key proviso.

"He's drawn box three so he needs to find the fence early," Jose said.

"He had a run up at Gosford last year as well so he's seen the track and if anything he's going quicker than Lots Of Chatter.

"I stepped him up to 650m for a few runs with the Sale Cup in mind and while he was running Mantra Lad like sections early just didn't see the 650m out.

"So I pulled the pin on that and freshened him right up for Gosford instead.” 

Currently $8.50 with TopSport, Aston Shine tackles the opening heat where favouritism is held by Ritza William (box 1) at $3.30 just ahead of both Chase Me Honey (box 4) and Chevy Royale (box 7) at $3.80.

"With the way he's going if he gets into the race early I expect a really forward run," Jose added.

"I've timed both dogs preparations expecting them to be better for the final if we get through so all I'm worrying about at the moment is qualifying. First or second on Tuesday would be fine."

Heat three of the series will see Zipping Kyrgios step out as a firm $1.85 favourite while the fourth and final heat sees Gosford Cup defending champion and track record holder Wow take his place as a red hot $1.50 elect.

In his bid for Gosford Cup glory, Jose will leave his Victorian base at 3pm on Monday before spending the night at Yass and journeying through to Gosford on Tuesday.

"They are both very good travelers so that's not an issue," Jose said.

"Both dogs are very experienced and the change in scenery should prove a positive."