Australia: Baglioni in good form leading to Sawtell Cup

The use of apprentice jockeys is a significant reason why Baglioni has finished first and second in two recent starts leading to the Sawtell Cup at Coffs Harbour Racecourse in Australia Saturday evening.

Baglioni won a handicap at 6 1/2 furlongs at Coffs Harbour June 16 when ridden by apprentice Courtney Bellamy, the daughter of trainer Brett Bellamy. Courtney Bellamy carried 131 pounds, 4.5 pounds less than the original assignment.

Baglioni finished second by a nose in a handicap at 7 1/2 furlongs at Eagle Farm July 5 when ridden by apprentice Cejay Graham. Baglioni carried 127.8 pounds, more than five pounds less than the original assignment.

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Courtney Bellamy has the mount on Baglioni for the Sawtell Cup, and once again the weight she will carry is considerably lower than the original assignment. Baglioni was assigned 121 pounds, and will carry 116.8 pounds, far less than topweight Mikado at 134.4 pounds.

Baglioni, a winner 4 of 24 starts, can be a factor as a stalker and is rated as a leading contender behind expected favorite That’s Molly, who was 3-1 in early betting on Friday.

That’s Molly, a winner of 4 of 16 starts, won the Wingham Cup at a mile at Taree Racecourse June 6, and was second by a length in a seven-furlong handicap at Newcastle Racecourse on July 8, closing from well off the pace through the final furlong.

Aside from That’s Molly, the Sawtell Cup has an open field. Baglioni is well-regarded as are Mikado and Kapsali.

Mikado finished a troubled ninth by four lengths in the Maclean Cup at seven furlongs at Grafton Racecourse on July 16. Mikado raced in traffic through the stretch and did not have a clear run in the final sixteenth while still finishing relatively near the front.

The Sawtell Cup is part of a field of seven that begins at 10:45 p.m. Eastern or 7:45 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

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