Cosmic Bonus Begins Gosford Cup Defence

NORTHERN Rivers juggernaut Cosmic Bonus begins his Gosford Gold Cup defence this Sunday night when the 40 race winner steps out in race eight on the program from box two for trainer Evelyn Harris.

Regarded as one of NSW's most talented sprinters, the eight-time group finalist was a spectacular winner of the Group 2 Gosford Gold Cup back in January, a victory that paved the way for a stellar 12 months of racing, including victory in the inaugural $100,000 to-the-winner Ladbrokes Masters Meteor (520m) at Wentworth Park in October.

And returning to Gosford this Sunday night, trainer Evelyn Harris couldn't be happier with her star conveyance – set to take his place in ripper form – finishing runner-up in the Group 1 Brisbane Cup and Group 3 Ipswich Cup at two of his past four appearances.

But whilst he looks to take a stack of beating at his favourite stomping ground, the son of Cosmic Rumble won't have things all his own way in a quality final qualifier, locking horns with Darren Russell's speed-machine Fab Fit, winner of last month's Ipswich Cup over Cosmic Bonus, whilst Maurice Minor, One Hour Parking and Zipping Falcon round out the key chances.

Topping all-in betting at $5.50 with bookmaker Bet365 for this year's Gosford Gold Cup Series is the Jodie Lagogiane-trained Beast Unleashed, the Group 2 Launching Pad hero set to step out for just his second run since June when he lines up in heat two from box one.

Not seen since injuring himself in the final of the Group 1 Vic Peters Classic at Wentworth Park midway through 2018, the son of Barcia Bale returned from almost six months on the sidelines in a heat of the Group 2 Ballarat Cup on December 1, leading before being overpowered late by the strong Spring Bridge.

"We've just been working him at home since Ballarat and I couldn't be happier with him," said Peter Lagogiane about his star galloper's Gosford Cup preparation.

"The main thing has been making sure the muscle he injured holds up and touchwood everything is spot on. He's happy within himself and I took him to Gosford on Tuesday night to trial and he set the benchmark in a post-to-post after the last.

"Gosford has always been my favourite track and Jodie and I have always wanted to win a Gosford Cup – it's a race that has eluded us so hopefully that can change this year. He's got his box (one) and the two is a wide runner so he should get his chance. I'm rapt with how he's going."

First and second from each of the four qualifiers will progress to the $40,000 to-the-winner Gosford Gold Cup Final which will be staged on a bumper card of racing on New Year's Day.

What a way to see in the New Year!