Odds on for a stellar 150th NZ Cup to cap off great week

The New Zealand Cup and Show Week climaxes with the historic running of the 150th Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup at Riccarton Park Race Course this Saturday.

The 3,200 metre showpiece race will feature New Zealand’s top gallopers in one of the country’s most popular racing events

TAB Racing Bookie Thad Taylor said it’s shaping up to be a very interesting betting race.

“Topweight Guns At Five ($2.80) is the in-form and class runner of the field, but the handicapper has given him a big weight to carry over the two-mile trip. Spring Cheer, the mare trained by Kevin Myers has attracted a lot of the early money, shortening her quote from $5 into $4.20 overnight.

“The TAB is adding a bonus $50,000 to the First4 pool, so we expect that to be a popular option, along with Big Race Packs. Big Race Packs include a chance for a slice of the First4 dividend and are proving hugely popular with casual betters – six people won over $25,000 on Big Race Packs on the Melbourne Cup.”

The stakes will be high on the racetrack, but plenty will also be at stake for the Fashions in the Field competitions. The catwalk action will begin in the Birdcage Bar and Event area from 12.00pm. The Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup is a day to leave the kids with other family or a babysitter and enjoy the fun among other adults with entry to the racecourse restricted to those aged 18 and over.

The big race caps off a fantastic week of Cup and Show racing.

On 9 November three year-old Atlante continued the run of the Baker/Forsman stable with talented three year-olds to take out the Group 1 Sothy's 2000 Guineas.

At the Christchurch Casino New Zealand Trotting Cup on 10 November, Terror To Love won his third Cup in exceptional style. After making a rare error at the start Terror To Love was well behind the pack, but a midrace move from Ricky May, who notched up his seventh Cup win, saw the champ get to the lead and prove too quick and tough for his rivals.

On 11 November at the Group 2 Coupland's Bakeries Mile, Scapolo slipped up the rail and proved too strong for the rest of the field making this his sixth win at his 14th start. It was the four year-olds first win on a good track, suggesting that he will be in for a good summer in some of the feature mile races.

ENDS

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