Tempo Key To Skystreamer Cup Hopes
- Friday, 11 February 2011 01:44
Apprentice Jason Maskiell believes his mount Skystreamer in this Sunday’s $300,000 Group Three AAMI Hobart Cup (2200m) is a live chance should the race be run at a solid tempo.
“He is probably a top five chance,” Maskiell said of the Tony Vasil-trained five-year-old before adding, “I wish we had a slightly better barrier.”
“If they run along a bit early, which they always do in Tassie in these major cups, hopefully he can slot in somewhere and get home late.
“If it becomes a sit and sprint, he’ll struggle but if it’s a true staying test he’s in with a shot,” he added.
With the likes of multiple country cup winners Dream Pedlar and Red Buttons joined by New Zealand visitor Mr Tipsy, Maskiell is under no illusions as to the challenge that awaits Skystreamer on Sunday.
“Speaking to a few people, they reckon this is the best Hobart Cup field they have ever had which is probably a downside for him.”
“The Launceston Cup (over 2400 metres) might be more his go and hopefully a few go to the Mornington Cup instead.”
Skystreamer resumed with a fast-finishing second behind Foxham at Caulfield over 1400 metres before finishing fifth over a mile at the same venue.
The son of Fantastic Light then finished a credible second behind Spinney on Australia Day at Caulfield over 2000 metres.
Skystreamer is rated a $10 chance with TAB Fixed Odds with Dream Pedlar a $5.50 favourite and Red Buttons next best at $6.50.
He has raced 22 times for three wins and 10 placings with prizemoney standing at $143,847.
Picture: Colin Bull
