120th Winter Cup at Riccarton Park betting guide with free tips
THE 120th Winter Cup runs this Saturday at Riccarton Park in New Zealand and we have found our best tips and each way bets for the great race.
The $100,000 Winter Cup is one of the oldest races on the New Zealand racing calendar and a full field of 17 runners have accepted to run over the mile at one of New Zealand’s most popular race tracks.
We took a lot at some of the best early bets last month, but the field has taken a different shape so we’re back with our best race tips and best each way value bets.
Punters can bet on New Zealand racing at any of our recommended bookmakers where the odds are better than those offered with the TAB in New Zealand.
2017 Winter Cup betting market
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Winter Cup top pick – New York Minute
Five-year-old mare New York Minute has been prepared for the Winter Cup all winter and punters have taken notice.
The Ilone Kelly-trained daughter of Iffraaj was a stunning winner at Trentham three starts back when it put over 10 lengths on a quality field at open handicap level.
Its two runs since have been solid with a placing behind Longchamp at New Plymouth last start and despite being a noted sprinter, it did finish third over this distance in September and it was good late ground on that occasion.
Conditions are going to be tough in Christchurch, but that’s right up New York Minute’s alley, having never finished out of the money in seven starts on a heavy track. That included two wins and five placings, so punters have a great shot at winning with New York Minute.
New Zealand’s leading apprentice of last season, Sam Weatherley, takes the ride at 55.5kg and punters are getting good value with $3.80 at Bet365.com.
Winter Cup next best – Nashville
We labelled Nashville as a great betting opportunity for punters when Sportsbet.com.au still had it paying $41, but now it’s currently at $15 which is still great value.
The multiple group one winner was putting in the big bounds at New Plymouth and probably should have won with a better ride. It was a good sign for punters prepared to take the big odds because Nashville had been out of form since winning an easier race at Blenheim in April.
The nine-year-old might not be getting any younger, but it has won three of its 10 starts at Riccarton Park and it has the ability to handle wet tracks.
The track will likely be puggy come race eight, so being out wide could be the best place to be and drawing barrier 14 won’t be an issue.
If apprentice jockey Kate Cowan can stay out of trouble and give it a clear run to the line, punters could see the Nashville of old at great odds.
Winter Cup best each way – Taurus
Taurus is the type of horse which always produces a solid effort, but it has been finding it tough to win a race of late.
The Evan and J.J. Rayner-trained nine-year-old finished fourth behind Longchamp last start which is the best form guide coming into this race. Its form prior was steady behind the likes of Dolcetto and it has experience running in this race.
Taurus finished third behind Miss Three Stars in the Winter Cup last year and that experience could take it a long way this time around.
Taurus is currently $12 to win and will likely pay around $4 to place with Ladbrokes.com.au.
Winter Cup must include – Miss Three Stars
We can’t be leaving out the defending champion which has won two of its last three starts.
The 11-time winner is a four-time winner at Riccarton and it loves running in the wet conditions with eight starts for four wins and two placings.
It scored back-to-back wins this winter by a combined margin of over six lengths and it wasn’t suited by the ride last start at Ashburton when Samantha Wynne stayed along the inside rail.
Stepping back up to the mile is going to be ideal and punters shouldn’t be leaving the $7 chance off their tickets.