Australia: Alhambra Lad looks to continue trainer's successful trek in Hobart Cup

Alhambra Lad, the 6-year-old New Zealand-bred gelding, is part of a three-horse team that Australian trainer Patrick Payne has sent to Hobart Racecourse on the island of Tasmania for stakes this weekend.

So far, the traveling team has been in outstanding form. On Friday, Payne’s Bold Soul won the Tasmanian Derby at Hobart. On Saturday evening, Alhambra Lad starts in the Group 3 Hobart Cup at 1 1/2 miles, while Wings of Song starts as a contender earlier on the program in the Strutt Stakes.

The $195,600 Hobart Cup is the track’s richest race and drew a field of 10.

Alhambra Lad has a friendly weight assignment of 124.5 pounds, compared to topweight Aurora’s Symphony at 131. Alhambra Lad has the benefit of a win in a prep race at 1 1/2 miles in an allowance race at Hobart on Jan. 21 in his first start at the track.

A winner of 9 of 30 starts in his career, Alhambra Lad ended a five-race losing streak since July on Jan. 21, closing from sixth of 13 to win by 3 1/2 lengths as the 3-2 favorite.

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Aurora’s Symphony is one of four runners in the Hobart Cup who could be the second choice, along with Ashy Boy, Grand Pierro, and Swoop Dog.

Aurora’s Symphony won a handicap at 1 1/4 miles by a short head at Flemington on Jan. 13 in his first start in nearly two months. The Hobart Cup is his first start at Hobart.

Ashy Boy and Swoop Dog were second and third behind Alhambra Lad on Jan. 21. Ashy Boy was second in the 2022 Tasmanian Derby, while Swoop Dog was sixth in the 2023 Hobart Cup.

Grand Pierro will have no problem with the extended distance of the Hobart Cup, having finished third in the Bagot Cup at 1 3/4 miles at Flemington on Jan. 1.

The Hobart Cup is part of a 10-race program that begins at 8 p.m. Eastern or 5 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

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