Cups ‘Triple Crown’ beckons for Blood Brotha

Cups ‘Triple Crown’ beckons for Blood Brotha

Wanganui-trained galloper Blood Brotha can achieve an unprecedented New Zealand racing ‘Triple Crown’ if he wins the 2013 Auckland Cup – New Zealand’s greatest staying race – tomorrow.

Never before has a horse won the New Zealand, Wellington and Auckland cups in the same season, but Blood Brotha can do just that if he wins the $500,000 feature at Ellerslie.

“The Triple Crown has often been talked about, but until now it’s proven elusive,” said TAB Head of Fixed Odds Racing Phillip O’Connor.

“Blood Brotha is a genuine contender to be the first horse in history to win all three cups in the same season, so it adds plenty of spice to what will be a ripper of an Auckland Cup.”

The seven-year-old gelding opened at $26 but quickly came into fourth favourite following his impressive win in the Wellington Cup at Trentham on January 26.

“If Blood Brotha can pull it off in the big one at Ellerslie tomorrow it’ll be a phenomenal result,” said O’Connor.

“Raymond Connors (Blood Brotha’s owner/trainer) might only run a small operation out of Wanganui but already he’s proven he can beat the big-spenders. If he can take out the Auckland Cup tomorrow he’ll underline his name – and Blood Brotha’s – in the history book.”

Blood Brotha’s jockey, Lisa Allpress, also stands to become the first rider since Michael Walker to win all three cups and the first to do so in a single season. Given the season she’s had, the odds must surely be in Allpress’ favour.

“Last month Lisa became the first Kiwi woman to ride 1000 career winners and a win with Blood Brotha tomorrow would be the icing on what’s been a tremendous season for her,” said O’Connor.

“She’s a quiet achiever and deserves all the accolades that go her way. Raymond Connors will be justifiably confident knowing Lisa is onboard.”

The 2013 Auckland Cup will be run at Ellerslie over 3200m. The prospect of Blood Brotha making history is expected to draw record crowds to Ellerslie to watch New Zealand’s greatest staying race, which jumps at 5.55pm tomorrow.

ENDS

© Scoop Media