Casino Kid has put himself firmly in the mix for a tilt at the AUD $2 million Big Dance with a solid victory in the $100,000 Dubbo Gold Cup (1600m) on Sunday.
Trained by Jan Bowen in Muswellbrook, Casino Kid won his first Highway at Randwick in June last year with a convincing victory in the Class 3 1500m. A horse on the up, he has gone on to knock up a further two wins and five placings at Sydney metropolitan meetings.
A win at Randwick in a Benchmark 78 over the 1600m on August 6 followed by a close second on August 20 under the same conditions saw Casino Kid jump as favourite in the Big Dance-eligible Dubbo Gold Cup on Sunday.
“He deserved that, he well and truly deserved it. He's just a beautiful horse,” an excited Bowen said after the race.
“With his pattern of racing, he can get in some awkward spots. But if he can see daylight at the 200m, put your money on.
“He's been knocking on the door. He's a good galloper and he just gets back that bit and he's got to have that bit of luck to get through, but he showed what he can do today.”
Dubbo-trained Notabadidea took up the early lead while Cognac worked quickly around the field from barrier 10 to settle into second as the field fell into place. Grant Buckley had Casino Kid sitting third from the back on the rails, waiting for the chance to strike.
A patient ride from Buckley saw Casino Kid find clear air and burst through to the lead with 100m to go, pulling away and hitting the line well for the 1.22-length win.
Two Big Fari and Prince Of Helena filled the minors.
“I just want to thank Jan and her whole team. They've been very good to me over many, many years and I really appreciate it,” said Casino Kid's emotional owner-breeder Daniel Morice.
“It's onwards and upwards for the team and the horse. We love it.”
A number of metropolitan and provincial chances had been scratched from the feature prior to Sunday, leaving the door more open for the country-trained gallopers to earn Big Dance eligibility.
“We thought we were a big chance, but you never want to be too overconfident,” Bowen said.
“That's what we're all heading for … hopefully we get to The Big Dance.”
The win took Casino Kid's earnings to over $417,000 with six wins and 11 placings from his 28 career starts.
Consistent galloper Two Big Fari is now also eligible for a place in The Big Dance for Newcastle trainer Todd Howlett.
There are four more Country Cups and a Wild Card to be run before The Big Dance at Randwick on Tuesday, November 1. Benchmark rating at the time of final acceptances will then be used to determine the final field from the pool of eligible horses, with the winners of eligible Country Cups receiving preference over any second-placegetters.