Ippy ‘Bonus' Awaits For Harris

IPSWICH takes centre stage this Thursday night where a crack field of gallopers have been assembled for the Group 3 Ipswich Gold Cup Final (520m) worth a cool $40,000 to-the-winner.

Setting the pace for the final is the Evelyn Harris-trained Cosmic Bonus, the son of Cosmic Rumble making his Ipswich debut a successful one in last Saturday night's heats, recording a flying 30.28 to defeat fellow finalist Crazy Bella by a six-length margin.

Winner at seven of his past eight starts, his only defeat an unlucky second at Casino two runs back when beaten half-a-head, Cosmic Bonus heads into Thursday night's final looking to add another group race victory to his glowing resume, having annexed the Group 2 Gosford Gold Cup back in January.

Boasting an imposing winning strike-rate, winning 39 of his 80 starts, Cosmic Bonus recently took out the inaugural Ladbrokes Masters Meteor (520m) at Wentworth Park on October 20 – a night Evelyn and Len Harris won't forget anytime soon – picking up the cool $100,000 first prize for their troubles.

And whilst Cosmic Bonus looks primed for a forward showing this Thursday night where he looks suitably dawn in box five, a smart field of chasers are primed to serve it up to the favourite, including exciting youngster Rio Brave for trainer Craig Schmidt.

Winner at six of his 10 starts, the son of El Grand Senor continued the outstanding start to his career with a powerhouse performance in his heat at the weekend, running down tear away leader Painted Picture to score by 1 ¼ lengths in a solid 30.75.

A previous winner at the track and distance in a sizzling 30.26, Rio Brave heads into Thursday's final giving away plenty of experience but is on the up and has been well supported in betting, installed a solid second favourite.

Eyeing a third group race victory in the final is the Tom Tzouvelis-trained Del Rey, the Launceston Cup (Group 2) and Gold Coast Cup winner (Group 3) drawing box three following a slick 30.59 heat win where she defeated reigning Casino Cup winner Fab Fit by three lengths for trainer Darren Russell.

In what looms as an intriguing finale, just a length separates the eight runners' best first sectional at the track and distance.

The Group 3 Ipswich Gold Cup for 2018 is race eight on what promises to be an outstanding night of chasing action.