Java Siang could become just the 11th mare in the last 40 years to win the Hawkes Bay Cup when she lines up in tomorrow's feature event at Hastings.
Java Siang was one of five mares among the 20 acceptors for the 2200m group two event. The others are Strauss's Delight, No Alimony, Midnight Babe and Taitanium.
The last mare to win the cup was Silver Chalice in 1996 while others in the last 40 years have been Hi-Jinx in 1960, Lavish Countess (1961), Key (1963), Tolka (1966), Suttle (1971), Harp (1978), Olene (1984), Finezza Belle (1988) and Eye Full (1989).
Taitanium has the same weight as Java Siang, 53kg, and has been in such great form she cannot be overlooked while No Alimony, Strauss's Delight and Midnight Babe all have good recent form.
The main opposition to Java Siang, however, could come from the geldings Bel Air, Wake Forest and Blazing.
Bel Air has five from six starts this season.
He has the extreme outside barrier draw to overcome but will have the services of experienced jockey David Walsh, who has won two Hawkes Bay Cups.
Wake Forest was unlucky at Ellerslie last start, but has the New Zealand Cup to his credit and also drops 2kg from the weight he carried last start.
- NZPA
Racing: Java set for cup
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