Australia: Dubai Tycoon projects for winning trip in Forbes Cup

Dubai Tycoon, a 5-year-old Australian-bred gelding, needed two starts in June following a four-month layoff to reach the winner’s circle for the first time this year.

Dubai Tycoon closed from fourth to win a seven-furlong handicap by about 1 3/4 lengths at Moree Racecourse on July 6, his fourth victory in 15 starts. Dubai Tycoon may have a similar trip in Monday’s Forbes Cup at Forbes Racecourse in Australia.

The Forbes Cup is run at a mile. Dubai Tycoon, trained by Brett Cavanough, has won three times at seven furlongs, and was third in his only previous start at about a mile, last October at Ipswich Racecourse.

In the Forbes Cup, which drew a field of 11, Dubai Tycoon could have ideal placing, stalking expected pacesetters Highly Desired and Mackellar’s Love. Ashley Morgan has the mount on Dubai Tycoon, the gelding’s fifth different rider in as many starts.

The Forbes Cup is run as a handicap. Highly Desired and Gunga Din are the joint topweights at 130 pounds, while Dubai Tycoon will carry 123 pounds. Mackellar’s Love will carry 127.8 pounds.

Great Glen was assigned top weight of 134.4 pounds, but the booking of apprentice jockey Ronald Simpson reduces the assignment to 127.8 pounds.

Gunga Din is expected to be slightly favored over Dubai Tycoon and Highly Desired.

:: Get free past performances, analysis, and picks for Australian racing

Gunga Din, a winner of 5 of 17 starts, won the Narrandera Cup at the racecourse of the same name on July 19 to end a four-race losing streak. Gunga Din was the 2-1 favorite in the one-mile race and closed from seventh to win by 2 1/2 lengths under jockey Brendan Wood, who has the mount on Monday.

The Forbes Cup is the second race after a four-month layoff for Highly Desired, who was second by a nose to the 11-time winner A Magic Zariz in a seven-furlong handicap at Wellington Racecourse on July 20. Highly Desired looks well placed in the Forbes Cup if the pace is not too quick.

First post time for the nine-race program at Forbes is 10 p.m., Eastern, or 7 p.m., Pacific, on Sunday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.