Australia: Jazzland figures the one to catch in Coffs Harbour Cup

Jazzland is the sort of veteran runner that wins in certain circumstances.

In his 19-race career in Australia, Jazzland has won seven times, leading throughout in six of those victories. He has not won from off the pace since a maiden race in November 2018 in his second start.

Jazzland’s predictable style will be on display in Thursday’s Coffs Harbour Cup at a mile at Coffs Harbour Racecourse, north of Sydney. This time, however, Jazzland, who will carry 124.5 pounds, may face early pressure from Sikandarabad, the 132-pound topweight, and Rexx, who will carry 121 pounds.

Unlike those runners, Jazzland approaches the Coffs Harbour Cup in top form. He led throughout a one-mile handicap at Grafton Racecourse on July 5, the 6-year-old gelding’s first victory of 2020 in his second start of the year.

The Coffs Harbour Cup has a field of 16 and lacks a clear favorite. Jazzland was 7-1 in early betting Tuesday behind Academy at 4-1 and Top Prospect at 9-2.

Academy, who will carry 121 pounds, is winless in three starts since early June, all in handicaps at Rosehill Gardens. Academy was second, fourth, and third in those races from June 27 to July 25 and was never beaten more than 2 1/2 lengths.

Top Prospect (121 pounds) finished second by a neck in a handicap at about a mile at Ipswich Racecourse on July 18. A 7-year-old gelding, Top Prospect is well drawn in post 3 for what should be a stalking trip behind an honest pace.

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If the pace is too hot, The Kingdom could be the beneficiary. A 5-year-old gelding, The Kingdom closed from last of 12 to win a handicap at 1 1/8 miles at Eagle Farm on July 4, prevailing by a neck for his third win in his last five starts.

The Kingdom, who will carry 124.5 pounds, will be ridden by Andrew Mallyon, who was aboard for the recent win.

The Coffs Harbour Cup is part of an eight-race program that begins at 10:35 p.m. Eastern, or 7:35 p.m. Pacific, on Wednesday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.