Mandurah Cup In Range For Champagne Cuddle

GRAEME Jose isn't in WA for a holiday, he's in the state to take out the Group 2 Mandurah Cup (488m) with Champagne Cuddle … but he will be taking in some of the sights while he's here.

The experienced Victorian trainer and his talented chaser contest the opening heat of the Mandurah Cup this Friday night.  

Despite copping the ‘visitors draw' (box six), Jose is confident that Champagne Cuddle can mix it with a quality field of local dogs such as the likes of Barbeque Man and Wise Barra. 

FIELDS AND FORM MANDURAH FRIDAY

Champagne Cuddle has produced a string of impressive runs back home, including victory in the Pink Diamond Rookie Sprint at Shepperton in mid-June. 

"He's been going really well for me and running some quite smart times so we thought we'd target some good races with him," Jose said. 

Jose has made sure that Champagne Cuddle has had a good build up into the Mandurah Cup.

They arrived in WA last Thursday and the following night Champagne Cuddle trialled over the 488m, clocking 27.25 at his first look at the track.

"I thought it would be a good opportunity to let him settle in and give him every possible chance," Jose said.  

Jose was initially disappointed with last week's hit-out but overall he is happy with the dog's preparation and is expecting a big showing.

"When the lids opened I was thinking ‘is he going?'," Jose said. 

"It didn't seem he was travelling that well and I thought ‘oh my god' but they reckon the time was pretty handy and he should improve two to three lengths second look at the track.

"The box is not ideal but he's a genuine race dog. I've come over to have a real good crack and I think we can! 

"He'll need some luck in running, as every dog does, but with a clear look at it I think he'll go well."

While the Mandurah Cup is the main focus Jose is also using this trip to scout out a possible relocation west in the future. 

"I'm in two minds about it but I might be looking to move over here in a few years," he explained.

"I thought it would be a good opportunity to come for this race and have a look around while I'm here."

During his time in WA, Jose is staying at the property of Adam Smithson, who trains My Anarchy Boy.   

Jose is a part owner of My Anarchy Boy, which returns to the track for the first time in over a month when he goes around in the fourth and final Mandurah Cup heat.

Mandurah has been a happy hunting ground for My Anarchy Boy, winning nine of 14 starts over 488m.

"He's been a great little dog for Adam," Jose said.  

"(My Anarchy Boy) had a couple of starts for me and went OK but Adam's put an extra leg on him."