By Tayler Strong
Tas Man Bromac, who set a track record at Roxburgh 12 months ago, returns there a leading fancy for the Roxburgh Cup on Monday.
Tas Man Bromac was having his first race for six weeks when he finished third to Pulp Fiction and I’m Full Of Excuses in the Gore Cup on Boxing Day. He won over the Roxburgh Cup distance, 2700m in 3.24.2 12 months ago. That was one of his six wins as a 3yr-old last season which included a NZ record time of 3.22 for 2700m at Ascot Park.
I’m Full Of Excuses did well for his Gore Cup placing in a track record run race. His win at Invercargill on November 29 was also meritorious. Rainbow Romance, Pulp Fiction, Uncle Ben and Sheeza Shark, who finished behind him have all subsequently won races.
McCovey Cove has to be considered. He beat the Central Otago Cup winner, Quick As A Trick home when runner up to Better To Be Bad at Forbury Park at his last start.
Motu Moonbeam is capable of figuring in the finish. She won in a 1.58.2 mile rate at Ascot Park late in November and ran second to Rocker Band in a 1.53.3 mile at Winton on December 19.
Lewy Risk, who blew the start at Omakau on Saturday, may get underway safely, alone on 40m.
Queen Kenny will attempt to stretch her winning sequence to four off a 50m handicap in the C1 trot.
The smart 3yr-old Zenmach will be a big chance in race 10. Winner of five of his eight starts and trained at Roxburgh by Geoff and Jude Knight, Zenmach has not raced since November 19 but he shaped well in a trial there on December 20.
Sovereign Banner has a chance for a penalty free win in race 11. He followed up an impressive trial win at Roxburgh with a first up win at Gore on December 27. Junior driver Rory McIlwrick, who drove him in the trial, has the drive.
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