Michael Travers will be looking to add another Cowra Cup to the cabinet on Sunday, with stable stars Mathrin and Dynamic One set to tackle the $36,000 feature race (1700m).
Mathrin (56kg), the 2025 winner, has Adrian Layt in the saddle, while recent Hair Of The Dog Cup winner, Dynamic One (55.5kg), will be guided by Molly Bourke.
“We go there hopeful, Travers told Country Punter.
“Last year, Mathrin won, and she was aided by a masterful ride by Mathew Cahill, and we will need as good a ride from Adrian or Molly from the awkward gates If we want to win again on Sunday.”
Travers believes Mathrin and Dynamic One are both genuine chances but picked out his five-year-old Super One gelding as the horse to beat.
“They are both chances, but I am leaning more toward Dynamic One, to be honest,” Travers said.
“Ideally, you need a horse that can be running fifth or sixth, then have them swooping on the home turn; one with a high cruising speed that can accelerate, and hopefully Molly can have Dynamic One in that good spot.
“If they overdo it up front, Mathrin will be sitting there and ready; she always runs an honest race.”
While Travers is targeting the Cowra Cup on Sunday, the Wagga trainer has a big Saturday ahead of him, racing at Rosehill Gardens and Tumut.
In Sydney, last-start Royal Randwick placegetter Demi God (Molly Bourke, 52kg) will start in the 1400m Class Three Highway Handicap, while stablemate and emergency Freud (54kg) is unlikely to head to town.
“We have a tough draw with Demi God, but we go there with Molly on board, taking a few kilos off, which is important, especially on those wet tracks, Travers said.
“He went well last start, but this is a much harder race. This will be his last start before a spell, so we’ll know what we are up to and what to look for in the next preparation.”
Far from the bright lights of Rosehill Gardens, the team also heads to Tumut.
Rebecca Bronett Prag rides for Travers, jumping aboard My Inspiration (55kg) in the 1400m Class One Handicap, Satashi (58kg) in the 1600m Benchmark 50 Handicap, and Deep Joy (57kg) in the 1200m Benchmark 50 Handicap.
“My Inspiration is our best chance at Tumut,” Travers said.
“She doesn’t have to lead, but she does have the ability to race handy, and it’s a nice race for her.
“We’ve had a big opinion of her all the way through, and she is taking a bit of a step back at Tumut.
“We think she has bigger races in her when the penny drops, so we’d have to expect her to be a good chance at Tumut.”
Travers will then continue a busy few days at Albury on Monday, where Freud will likely take on the 1600m Benchmark 58 Handicap.
