Almost El Eagle is well-placed to continue a glittering country cups campaign in Saturday’s Renown Silverware Ararat Cup.
The popular six-year-old is sitting third on the Country Cup Championship having cashed in at Gunbower and St Arnaud in November and continued to knock on the door throughout the country circuit, including a third placing at Wangaratta Pacing Cup on March 13.
It’s a sequence of results, which also include a win at Melton on Hunter Cup night and second at Menangle, that has well satisfied trainer and part-owner Steven Duffy.
SEE A VIDEO FEATURING HIGHLIGHTS OF ALMOST EL EAGLE’S SEASON
“I think he’s done a good job this season,” Duffy said. “I would have been happy if he could pick up a country cup or two, which he did early and has kept on running well.
“He is nearly at the end of his tether now. He will have this one, maybe another and will then be out for a long break. But I think he’s working as good as he has worked all season.”
His form will need to be strong on Saturday when he fronts a strong field for the Ararat Cup, which has plenty of chances.
Notably, few have drawn better than Almost El Eagle in gate four, with Star Of Dionysis drawn off the second row and Steam Washed and Ideal Success having to overcome 10m penalties.
“Ideal Secret and Steam Washed will be hard to beat,” Duffy said. “Kate (Gath’s) horse (Star Of Dionysis) is going well, but will be stepped up a little in class. It will be hard enough.”
Duffy said Almost El Eagle was well positioned to take advantage of his draw, having improved from the standing start as the season has progressed.
“He found a bit of luck in the earlier ones when he was a bit scratchy getting away, but as the season’s gone on he’s been getting away pretty good,” Duffy said.
“He was third in the Pure Steel to Ohoka Punter and led that night, and his last three or four starts have been good. He probably prefers to have cover and I will talk to (driver) John (Caldow) and see where he wants to place him. If he is quick away he should be in the first two or three.”
That would have the gelding by McArdle out of Nuclearaccelerator well placed to again satisfy his owners, members of Shepparton East Football Club, whose mascot is an eagle.
“The club follows it, and those in the ownership get along to most of his runs,” Duffy said. “It’s great to have that and he’s been a terrific horse for them.”
VIEW THE COUNTRY CUPS CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS TALLY
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