Big Duke leads Sydney Cup odds ahead Championships Day 2 draw

Randwick Championships
THE feature events of day two of The Championships are set to be shaped significantly tomorrow after Racing NSW holds its barrier draws for Saturday’s features.

The draws for the $4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the $2 million Sydney Cup will kick off at 9.30am on Tuesday and could have major market ramifications if the key elects are drawn poorly for Saturday’s meet.

Entirely different conditions are expected on day two of the Champions when compared to last weekend.

The heavy track played havoc after a deluge of rain in Sydney. The opening five races saw winners come from barriers 1-3, while the second half of the card saw winners only come from gates eight and onwards.

Clear conditions are expected in Sydney all week, which should ensure a track upgrade takes place as the week progresses, meaning the barrier draw will be important.

Winx is the current $1.15 favourite for the Queen Elizabeth and should not fluctuate too far from that quote, but Big Duke’s $2.80 price could drift significantly if the favourite is drawn poorly for the Sydney Cup.

Sportsbet.com.au bonus bet offer

The Irish import Big Duke will be on the short back up after taking out the Chairman’s Handicap on day one, but the manner in which the horse won should hold the gelding in good stead for Saturday.

The six-year-old won by two lengths without truly being pressed, and the Raven’s Pass progeny looks well-placed to go back-to-back in the Championships.

Stable representative Jarrod McLean said the Group One Sydney Cup has been a long-term goal for trainer Darren Weir.

“Weiry had set the Sydney Cup as Big Duke’s main goal months ago,” McLean said.

“He’s won five of six including the Launceston Cup and he was a bit unlucky running second in the Hobart Cup.

“Big Duke has just thrived since he came here. The Warrnambool stable is going really well. It’s a credit to all the staff for the work they put in.”

Sydney Cup all-in market

Odds provided by Sportsbet.com.au

Big Duke – +180

Assign – $6

Who Shot Thebarman – $8

Penglai Pavilion – $9

Libran – $12

Polarisation – $13

Vengeur Masque – $13

Astronomos – $15

Tally – $15

Chance To Dance – $15

Annus Mirabilis – $15

Almoonqith – $26

Kinema – $31

Darabad – $41

Impavido – $51

Harlem – $51

Magic Hurricane – $51

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