Black Opium Sets Brisbane Cup Pace

THE scene has been set for a rip-roaring finale to next week's Group 1 Sky Racing Brisbane Cup (520m) after five cracking heats were run and won at Albion Park on Thursday night.

Setting the pace for the group 1 showpiece, carrying for the first time a cool $250,000 to-the-winner, is the Tony Brett-trained Black Opium, the daughter of Black Magic Opal landing the opening qualifier in a sizzling 29.62, defeating fellow finalist Mystic Riot, the Million Dollar Chase winner 3 ½ lengths astern at the finish.

Runner-up in the most recent Group 1 Melbourne and Australian Cups, Black Opium has been installed a $3.00 equal favourite for next week's decider by Bet365, her chances of a breakthrough group 1 success far from diminished at the box draw, set to exit box eight.

Joining Black Opium at $3.00 in early betting is Orson Allen, the Perth Cup hero first reserve for the final following his second to Group 2 Queensland Derby winner Sennachie in 30.06, the son of Fernando Bale drawn box two and quoted a $3.50 chance with Bet365.

The second heat on Thursday saw Dyna Double One chasers Lucy's Milo and Dam Slippery quinella the event, with the Andrea Dailly-trained Lucy's Milo a last stride winner in 30.12 over his Queensland counterpart.

Drawn awfully in box seven for the final, Lucy's Milo joins kennelmate Dyna Patty in next week's rich decider, after the Australian Cup winner landed the fourth heat in a sparkling 29.76, defeating fellow finalist, the Dennis Barnes-trained Nangar Diva, by 2 ½ lengths.

The third heat was a terrific contest between Group 1 winners Barooga Brett and Zipping Bailey, with victory going the way of the Jason Mackay-trained Zipping Bailey in 30.04.

Drawn box three for next week's final, the Golden Easter Egg winner is quoted a very generous $8.50 with Bet365, while Barooga Brett, drawn box one for the final, is currently an $8.00 chance in his quest for a third victory at Group 1 level.

The field assembled for next week's final is nothing short of sensational. It promises to be an epic contest.

BOX DRAW GROUP 1 SKY RACING BRISBANE CUP (prices Bet365)

 

1. Barooga Brett ($8.50)
2. Sennachie ($3.50)
3. Zipping Bailey ($8.50)
4. Dyna Patty ($4.00)
5. Mystic Riot ($7.50)
6. Nangar Diva ($26.00)
7. Lucy's Milo ($34.00)
8. Black Opium ($3.00)
9. Orson Allen ($3.00)
10. Dam Slippery ($13.00)