Darwin Cup Cash Back Special

With Saturday’s Metropolitan racing at Rosehill and Mooney Valley behind us it’s time to focus on a fantastic event on Monday. It’s Darwin Cup Day in the Northern Territory and plenty of punters will be keen to have crack at that feature event at Fannie Bay. A large field of 15 horses are set to contest the 2000 metre race but which runner will be first past the post?

Offer on the Cup

Back the Darwin Cup Winner with William Hill and if your horse finishes second or third you’ll get your stake refunded. That’s cash back up to a maximum of $100 if your thoroughbred runs a place. Win bets at Fixed Odds, Best Fluc and Best Tote +5% qualify for the special but only your first wager will be eligible for a refund.

Runners Ready for the Cup

She’s not the favourite for Monday’s race but as she’s aiming to defend her title PRETTY BLONDE gets first mention. The mare was awarded last year’s victory in unusual circumstances after finishing second to SATURDAY SORCERER. But connections claimed the Cup 6 weeks later when the winner was disqualified for an irregular swab test. Well into double figures the 7 year old ran a solid fourth behind race favourite LIGHTINTHENITE at the Chief Minister’s Cup on July 11 but failed to impress in the Metric Mile last weekend. Both those races were over 1600 metres.

LIGHTINTHENITE is Monday’s main hope at around $3. The 8 year gelding boasts an impressive seven wins and six minors from through 32 career starts and carries winning form into the Darwin Cup after the Chief Minister’s Cup success. He has top jockey Hugh Bowman on board and is every chance of going one better than last year, when he finished 3rd before being promoted to runner up. ROYAL REQUEST is second in betting and also comes into the race on the back of a victory after winning the 1800 metre Special Conditions Cup when lugging 61.5kilograms. The Gelding gets a 7 and a half Kilogram weight relief here, and with a track and distance win under its belt may be one to select at around $6.50. Connections of SATURDAY SORCERER will be hoping their runner can deliver the ultimate redemption on Monday. The gelding ran third in the Metric Mile and as mentioned, has won this race before…. Albeit illegally. His price of over $30.