The form around Cyclone Rupert suggests the 5YO is knocking on the door of a victory ahead of Tuesday’s 1100m Class Three Handicap at Nowra.
A three-time winner, the Winning Ruppert gelding has only been in the care of Luke Pepper for four starts, and he finds arguably his most suitable assignment since resuming from a spell in April.
Going around in the Darby Racing colours, connections have drawn gate 8 before any further scratchings, while Jean Van Overmeire will be legged aboard for the ride.
While he hasn’t won this preparation, Cyclone Rupert has run four consecutive fourth places behind horses that have gone on with the job.
Resuming in the Orange Sprint (1000m) on April 11, he ran into a hot field and was beaten by recent Warwick Farm placegetter Extravagant Lad by just over three lengths.
Two starts later, the Canberra galloper found himself in a 1200m Class Three Highway Handicap at Royal Randwick, finishing fourth and beaten less than three lengths by A Pound Of Salt on what was a heavy 9 track.
The race proved to be a strong form line, with A Pound Of Salt winning Sunday’s Wauchope Cup very well for Muswellbrook trainer Todd Howell.
The runner-up out of the same Highway Handicap was Super Norwest, which came out and won Saturday’s 1200m Class Three Highway Handicap at Rosehill Gardens for Goulburn trainer Matthew Dale.
Last time out, Cyclone Rupert was caught wide in the early stages of the 1010m Class Three Handicap at the Sapphire Coast and, after eventually finding some cover, made good ground, beaten less than two lengths by the Scott Collings-trained Loafer.
Over 1100m at Nowra, the heavy surface shouldn’t be a concern, with the awkward draw the only real query.
Nowra will host a seven-race program on Tuesday, with the first event to jump at 12.35pm.
Nowra Tips – June 17
Race 1: #3 Kneel Down
Race 2: #1 Taytay Bay
Race 3: #5 Zo Frilling
Race 4: #5 Cyclone Rupert
Race 5: #1 Hold My Drink
Race 6: #4 Hold
Race 7: #1 Ferrari Man
Track conditions
Rail Position: True
Track Type: Turf
Track Condition: Heavy 8
Weather: Fine
Acceptances: 75
