By Mike Dillon
The Hawkes Bay Cup is a long way off but Coup De Folie is on trial for it in the $15,000 York Cup at Avondale tomorrow.
The vastly improved mare comes off the back of a Nathans Memorial win at Ellerslie and trainer Paul O'Sullivan is looking to take her to an even higher ranking.
"She's an ideal type for this sort of race, she races on the speed and kicks hard," said O'Sullivan yesterday.
There has never been a better description of the ideal horse to win at Avondale.
Coup De Folie was ridden by Opie Bosson at Ellerslie and will have Lance O'Sullivan on her back for the first time since she finished fourth in a Ruakaka maiden October 1997.
Normally a three-win horse would not warrant a second look in the York Cup, but the field is hardly outstanding and so gives Ballroom Lady a chance.
The underrated mare found 1600m too short on Cup day at Ellerslie and will appreciate the 2200m here. Ballroom Lady's opposition on this track two starts back was a fair bit short of the York Cup class, but she could not have been more impressive. She was already finding 1600m a bit short, but still managed to grab the decision right on the line.
Tynesider could challenge Coup De Folie for favouritism after his second to Del Coronado in the Queen Elizabeth Handicap on Boxing Day. He is talented and loves Avondale.
Jason Warrington, sidelined through judicial misdemeanour for a lengthy stretch, gets an opportunity to get back into the headlines aboard The Mighty Finn in the second leg of the TAB double, the Sheriff Handicap.
The ride became available when Donna Logan's stable rider, Central Districts-based Paul Taylor, decided to ride at Awapuni.
"Jason probably needs a kick along and as he's won on the horse, I felt it was appropriate," said Logan.
Last start The Mighty Finn finished ninth behind Tall Poppy on the final day of the Ellerslie carnival. Although it almost certainly made no difference, Logan says she feels she probably had the horse slightly short of full fitness.
Tall Poppy ran such a blistering pace in front it was virtually impossible for anything to make ground from the body of the field.
There are plenty of chances in the Sheriff with Festival Time (Lance O'Sullivan), Mi Signora, who will have a 3kg claim, and Bletchenere all appealing.
Horse Racing: York Cup ideal for mare
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