Racing: Duplicity set for Cup

Duplicity runs in the Metropolitan Trophy tomorrow. Photo / Race Images

Duplicity has made his way south in preparation for his major target of the spring, the Gr.3 Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton on Saturday week, but he will have one final run before the big race.

The Duporth gelding finished second in the Cup last year and trainer Ashley Meadows has elected to contest the same lead-in race at Riccarton tomorrow, the Listed Redwood Metropolitan Trophy Handicap (2500m).

Duplicity heads into this weekend's assignment in good fettle after storming home late to grab second-place in the Listed Feilding Gold Cup (2200m) at Awapuni last weekend.

Meadows was pleased with his run, but admitted to being slightly anxious after such a taxing effort.

"That is his style of racing, he gets back and he runs home," he said.

"He just needs a bit more luck because when you are racing like that you cover a bit of extra ground.

"It was quite a big effort, I was a little bit worried about it heading into Christchurch, but he has come through it all right, so I am pretty happy.

"The track is looking good on Saturday, so that's a bonus and we have got a nice weight (56.5kg)."

TAB bookmakers have installed Duplicity as a $5 equal favourite with the Stephen Marsh-trained Felaar for the Metropolitan Trophy, with Al Haram their next best at $7.50.

- NZ Racing Desk