Namazu set as racing favourite in the 2023 Toowoomba Cup

September 21, 2023 5:08 am.

Thumbs up from Wiggins after saluting on Namazu in the 2021 Magic Millions Capricornia Guineas

Namazu will be unleashed on the Clifford Park track for the first time as the race favourite in the Toowoomba Cup on Saturday.

Trained by Ricky Vale, the six-year-old gelded son of Medaglia D’oro will line up in the 2000m feature race, paying +360 with top horse racing betting sites.

Heading into Saturday’s run in the Toowoomba Cup, he comes off a four-week freshen, with hoop Ryan Wiggins booked to retain the ride.

“It’s a very winnable race for him,” he said.

“He is probably the highest-rated horse in the race.

“I think barrier nine is fine for him, and he should run really well.”

Last time out, on August 26, he ran fourth over the 2100m at Cairns, in a performance that his frequently partnered hoop Ryan Wiggins said was unusual for the gelding.

“I really don’t think the Cairns track suited him last start,” he said.

“He has now had that freshening, and that should definitely boost his chances.”

Namazu has won the last two Townsville Cups, with an impressive six-length victory this year, defeating American Saint and Bering Sea.

Bred by Godolphin and originally trained by James Cummings in his first nine starts, Namazu progressed through the grades during the 2021 North Queensland Winter Carnival, notching up victories in three consecutive races: the Magic Millions Capricornia Guineas (Rockhampton), Magic Millions Whitsunday Guineas (Mackay) and the Magic Millions Townsville Guineas (Townville).

Namazu has raced 37 times for 11 wins and nine placings, with $662,995 in prizemoney banked for connections.

Local trainer Mark Currie has three contenders in the Cup. Dundeel x Helena Girl mare Heleva Deel is considered a top hope due to her recent victory over the Eagle Farm 1800m on September 2.

Bailey Wheeler rode her to victory in the tight 0.8-length victory and retained the ride in the Toowoomba Cup, jumping from barrier two.

Another strong contender is Nikau Spur, trained by Corey and Kylie Geran, who is aiming for a third consecutive victory after a two-length win over the 2200m at Doomben on September 9.

Pendlebury Bet have Nikau Spur (+400), Heleva Deel (+850), Red Wave (+850), and Military Gambler (+700) as the other hopes paying single digits outside of the favourite Namazu.