Runner By Runner Guide: G2 Warragul Cup

ZEUS Thunderbolt has been installed as the early favourite for the Group 2 Sportsbet Warragul Cup on Friday night after drawing ideally in box one.

The son of 2013 Melbourne Cup winner Black Magic Opal was flawless in his heat, running 25.41 in his first start since picking up an injury in the Bendigo Cup final last October. 

A win would continue a phenomenal run for 26-year-old trainer Brad Greenough who has won 25 of his last 50 starts, a run which has included eight group race finalists and recording his first group 1 winner with Epitomize in the Silver Chief.

He'll meet stiff opposition in the $57,500 final however, where he will run into Cranbourne Cup champion Vincent Bale, dual Warragul Cup finalist Pass The Buck, Group 1 winner Flying Zulu and rising star Field Day, all of whom are rated $6.50 chances or shorter.

The Warragul Cup is one of Victoria's premier provincial cups boasting an honour roll featuring some of the country's greatest chasers including Rocketeer, Half Your Luck, Tempix, Chariot Supreme, Hotshot, El Grand Senor, Ando's Mac and Aston Dee Bee.

Here's a look at each of Friday night's finalists:

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1. ZEUS THUNDERBOLT

Trainer: Bradley Greenough

Heat time: 25.41 (4)

First split: 6.40

Record from the box: 1 start 0-0-1

Has contested three listed races and reached the group 2 Bendigo Cup final in a career spanning just 15 starts. Was very good in his heat – his first start since picking up an injury in the Bendigo Cup in October – registering his third win in five starts over the Warragul 460m trip. Is quick early and the inside draw should suit. 

Can he win? Yes, the obvious favourite.

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2. VINCENT BALE

Trainer: Correy Grenfell

Heat time: 25.39 (1)

First split: 6.57

Record from the box: 3 starts 0-2-0

Won the Cranbourne Cup (at Sandown) in October before running second in the Silver Bullet and the Shootout, a run in which he contested three group races in three starts. Has mixed his distances of late and his best racing is probably over more ground – his modest early speed will mean he will need luck at some stage – but with clear running can put a time on the board as evidenced by his fastest heat win. 

Can he win? Yes, with an ounce of luck when he makes his run.

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3. PASS THE BUCK

Trainer: Anthony Azzopardi

Heat time: 25.56 (2)

First split: 6.47

Record from the box: 5 starts 3-0-0

Finished fifth in this race last year after winning his heat in 25.51. Was less than a length off that mark last week showing that he'd lost little over the last 12 months. Can ping the lids and should have enough early speed to beat the challengers on either side which will be essential to his winning chances. 

Can he win? Yes, but must be at the front when they get to the first turn.

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4. FLYING ZULU

Trainer: Jason Thompson

Heat time: 25.41 (3)

First split: 6.51

Record from the box: 5 starts 4-1-0

A group 1 winner and one of the best in the country when at the top of his game. Enters his ninth group final with over $821,000 in prize money to his name. Has done most of his racing at the elite level around two turns but when he visits the provincials his form is superlative boasting 10 wins from 13 starts though interestingly, two of those defeats have been in Country Cups (7th at Warrnambool, 6th at Shepparton).

Can he win? Yes, on class alone he's right in the mix.

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5. FIELD DAY

Trainer: Jason Thompson

Heat time: 25.57 (7)

First split: 6.55

Record from the box: 3 starts 3-0-0

Arrived from NSW with enormous fanfare but has yet to deliver at the top level. Ran third in a heat of the Melbourne Cup then fourth in a heat of the Maturity, but most notably was beaten less than a length in an epic edition of The Phoenix Match Race against kennel mate – and 2024 Warragul Cup champion – Tim Zoo. 

Can he win? Yes, but with his racing pattern he may just ride cover for the inside brigade.

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6. ASTON CORLEONE

Trainer: Graeme Jose

Heat time: 25.74 (3)

First split: 6.48

Record from the box: First start

Has been racing well on the provincial circuit – he's yet to have a start in town in his 38 race career – including a slick FFA win over 435m at Sale prior to his Cup heat success. Can run a sharp first split but his best racing has been over shorter distances and is likely to find one (or more) better in the run to the line. 

Can he win? Not without a lot of trouble underneath him.

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7. ZIPPING HOPKINS

Trainer: Brooke Ennis 

Heat time: 25.56 (2)

First split: 6.69

Record from the box: 4 starts 0-1-1

Has missed a place just once in his last 13 starts, across distances from 450m to 600m. A winner in top grade over 600m at The Meadows two starts ago, it was no surprise to see him find the line nicely in his heat in solid time. His lack of speed makes his task tough, and the draw is certainly now help.

Can he win? No, but can run in the first four at a big price.

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8. FERNANDO GOMEZ

Trainer: Thomas Currie

Heat time: 25.61 (5)

First split: 6.56

Record from the box: 5 starts 2-0-0

Caused the upset of the night (and blew most punters out of the quaddie) when saluting at 20/1 in his heat, defeating two Melbourne Cup finalists (Joey The Jet and Epitomize) in the process. Couldn't have done more in that heat – clearly the best run of his career – but this is another step up again.

Can he win? No. Absolutely deserves his place in the final based on his heat run, but from out wide in this class is asking too much.

The verdict: Another high quality edition of the Warragul Cup. Zeus Thunderbolt (1) is a clear top pick following the draw, his early speed coupled with the red box gives him every opportunity to give his trainer another country cup success. Vincent Bale (2) could drop in behind and with a clear run will have the final crack at him. Flying Zulu (4) is all class and should get the room to muster, while Pass The Buck (3) can figure – if he nails the start.