Horsham Cup heats review: Paw Utility’s 26.85 steals the show

Group 2 Horsham Cup heat 1: Hotel Whiskey One (26.93)

Hotel Whisky One secured his place in next Friday’s Group 2 Horsham Cup Final with a commanding all-the-way victory in 26.93, leading from start to finish as the $1.80 BlondeBet bookmaker favourite.

Trained by Anthony Azzopardi, the son of Whiskey Riot and Flying September made full use of his Box 1 draw, jumping fast and quickly establishing a lead over Extradited, who chased gamely throughout.

Turning for home, Hotel Whisky One maintained his strong gallop, holding a two-and-a-half-length margin over Extradited, who ran the race of his life to claim second.

Fernando Phil closed late to grab third place, while Awesome Avenger finished fourth after battling strongly in the early stages.

Hotel Whisky One has now won 20 races from 45 starts, and this victory marked a return to form following competitive efforts in the Australian Cup semi-finals earlier this month.

Azzopardi’s star now progresses to the Horsham Cup final, where his early speed could prove a key weapon against a high-quality field.

Group 2 Horsham Cup heat 2: Zipping Hopkins (27.14)

Zipping Hopkins continued his consistent run of form, producing a professional display to take out Heat 2 of the Horsham Cup in 27.14, securing his spot in next week’s Group 2 final.

Trained by Brooke Ennis, the son of My Redeemer and Zipping Ivy jumped terribly from Box 2, missing the start and trailing by over 10 lengths. However exploded mid-race and found another gear in the home straight to win by a length over Dash Of Whiskey.

The strong-running Lulu’s Ride charged home late to snatch third, while Paw Sakakibura rounded out the first four.

Zipping Hopkins’ tactical speed and ability to sustain a strong run home made the difference in this heat, and with his well-rounded racing style, he now looms as a genuine threat in the Horsham Cup final if he can jump cleanly.

Group 2 Horsham Cup heat 3: Zipping Kai (26.95)

Zipping Kai produced a stunning upset to claim Heat 3 of the Horsham Cup, delivering a composed performance to defeat the heavily backed Tim Zoo in a slick 26.95.

Trained by Thomas Dailly, the Zack Monelli x Zipping Samara chaser exploded out of the boxes, setting up a decisive early lead. Tim Zoo, who was caught in traffic early, made his move mid-race but Zipping Kai found another gear, holding off the favourite by 2.75 lengths.

Riversdale Mick and Blistered Earth battled it out for the minor placings, finishing third and fourth, respectively.

Group 2 Horsham Cup heat 4: Paw Utility (26.85)

Paw Utility was the standout performer of the Horsham Cup heats, scorching around the track in 26.85, the fastest qualifying time of the night.

Trained by Samantha Grenfell, the Fernando Bale x Helma Bale chaser exploded out of the boxes with a sharp 6.48 first sectional, asserting early control and dictating the tempo. Amron Tiger gave chase late, closing the margin to 1.25 lengths, while Stomping and Holden Bale battled for the minor placings.

This victory marks a career-best performance for Paw Utility, who secured his spot in the Horsham Cup final in dominant fashion.

Group 2 Horsham Cup heat 5: Leo Bale (27.05)

Leo Bale delivered a commanding front-running display to claim the final heat of the Horsham Cup, securing his spot in next week’s final with a strong 27.05 victory.

Trained by Rebecca Gibbons, the son of Christo Bale x Hae Allen used his 6.45 first sectional to perfection, finding the front early and controlling the race. Flying Zulu loomed late, closing the margin to 1.25 lengths, but Leo Bale never looked in doubt as he powered to an all-the-way victory at $10 odds with Dabble.

Motion Sensor filled the minor placing ahead of Pretty Capri, while pre-race favourite Flying Zulu had to settle for second after being slightly held up early.