Already Famous To Battle Adversity In Bunbury Cup

Posted on March 16, 2016 | Posted by Julio Santarelli

Anne King will saddle up Already Famous in Thursday’s $120,000 Listed XXXX-Gold Bunbury Cup (2200m).

The son of Viscount is rated a $13 chance and a win would give King her greatest triumph in racing.

The pair have gone close previously in big races with placings in the Boulder Cup (2100m) and AHA Cup (2019m).

But for King, a low profile trainer with just a small team of horses, the race is more than just personal glory or prize money.

The Lark-Hill-based horsewoman is hoping a breakthrough victory in Bunbury’s premier race can provide respite from family adversity.

“My daughter-in-law, Kerryn, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer,” King said.

“She has just started chemotherapy after having one breast removed.

“It’s been a bit of a struggle with three young children.

“But she is a tough strong girl who will get through it.

“A win would give her a big lift and put a smile on her face.”

King said Already Famous was primed after the gelding ran on solidly from the tail of the field when 1 ½ lengths third to Bedamijo in last fortnight’s AHA Cup.

“He never runs a bad race and is always thereabouts,” King said.

“From the draw he can sit forward or no worse than midfield and get a cart into the race.

“It all depends on how much luck he has in running which is the same for everyone.

“But this is his grand final and I’m sure he has a big win in him.”

Already Famous has won five races and been placed on 17 occasions from his 39 starts.

In a field of 15 starters he has drawn barrier one. Ben Patterson retains the ride.

Already Famous is the best backed runner in the Bunbury Cup, firming to $9 from his opening quote of $14.

Meanwhile Tara Itzstein believes Bedamijo has further scope for improvement after her front running win in the AHA Cup.

From barrier one the Helenus mare led throughout and just held out Tower Of Lonhro by a nose with Already Famous third.

Her hopes in the Bunbury Cup appear cruelled after she drew the outside gate, but Itzstein has downplayed any concerns.

“It isn’t ideal, but I rather be out there where at least we can get some free running outside and move forward easily,” Itzstein said.

“She will strip fitter from the AHA Cup run.”

Shaun O’Donnell, who is chasing his fourth Bunbury Cup, will partner, Bedamijo.

O’Donnell has previous wins on Classique Ivory (2014), Street Value (2011) and Power Mak (2005).

Bedamijo is $8 with the TAB. Tonto, prepared by Lou Luciani, heads the market at $3.40 following the scratching of Angola.