WA Pacing Cup Power Rankings: Week 3

Posted on October 5, 2020 | Posted by Tim Walker

1. Chicago Bull
Previous Ranking: 1st
Last Start: October 2, JP Stratton Cup (1st) 

Stays at one again this week. He was rock solid on Friday night in the Stratton Cup. He bullied his way to the top from barrier four and rocketed home in 54.8, a week after Shockwave ran home in 54.7. He had Shockwave’s number on Friday night by virtue of the advantage of the draw. Once again it was a terrific drive from Gary Hall Jnr to sense when Shockwave was making his move and was able to put the race to bed with that 26.9 third quarter.

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2. Shockwave
Previous Ranking: 2nd
Last Start: October 2, JP Stratton Cup (2nd) 

He tried his heart out behind Chicago Bull on Friday night. He had to come three wide around the home turn and didn’t concede ground to Chicago Bull. It was a meritorious effort and he’s not far off Chicago Bull.

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3. Lochinvar Art
Previous Ranking: 4th 
Last Start: September 26, Melton Free For All (2nd)   

We will get to see him this week in the Victoria Cup. It’s going to be a wonderful spectacle seeing him against the likes of Ride Hight and King Of Swing. A good showing this week could have him knocking on the door of the top two. This Saturday will be a must watch to measure exactly how he’s going and how legitimate a chance he has over here.

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4. Mighty Conqueror
Previous Ranking: 3rd 
Last Start: January 17, WA Pacing Cup (1st) 

He’s been nominated this Friday night in what would be his first race back since the Pacing Cup triumph. It will be interesting to see how he measures up this week given it’s another strong set of nominations for the Fred Doy Memorial.

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5. Vampiro 
Previous Ranking: 5th  
Last Start: October 2, JP Stratton Cup (4th) 

His effort on Friday night was superb. He sat outside Chicago Bull and was only beaten by 10m. He’s come back in very nice order and you could argue for him to go up to a spot above the stablemate given he’s put up two sound performances. He stays at five for another week but I think he bridged the gap to fourth.

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6. Bletchley Park
Previous Ranking: 6th  
Last Start: September 25, Media Guild Cup (6th) 

Not nominated again for this Friday night so he may return next Friday. He holds at six for the time being again. I did look for another contender to enter the top six, but I just couldn’t find one. His next start will be critical just to reassure that he’s still capable of playing a part this year.

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Honourable Mentions: The Bird Dance finished third to Chicago Bull and Shockwave. He did have the advantage of barrier one against the stars but it was a very sound performance. Can’t Refuse was also rock solid in his first start for new trainer Corey Peterson. He had to work hard to find the front in a hot lead time and was pretty strong to the line.

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