Eureka selections narrow as slot holders weigh their final options

Three runners are confirmed, seven selections remain open and several partnerships look increasingly likely for the $1.5 million TAB Eureka at Club Menangle on November 21.

Loucasso (Sweet Lou – Our Little Artist) remains a clear $2.40 favourite in TAB’s Eureka market this morning. He has firmed from $2.60 since Harnesslink’s previous forecast on October 21, after setting an Australasian record of 1:47.6 for a three-year-old colt or gelding in his NSW Breeders Challenge semi-final at Menangle on Saturday night.

A lot can happen in a week. The Last Trip’s commanding South Australian Pacing Cup victory and Mad Monday’s impressive WA Four-Year-Old Classic success have also given slot holders plenty to consider.

Soho Charmer has joined the confirmed runners, named by Rob Watson for Soho Standardbreds. He sits alongside Loucasso, the runner for the slot holder (Rampant Standardbreds), and Double Lou, the runner for Tony Licastro’s The Don.

Loucasso is the only one of the market’s top 17 runners whose TAB price has changed since last week. The Last Trip ($4.50), The Art Of Success ($5.50) and Cigano ($6) remain next in line, with Double Lou ($7), Bettor Beach ($8), Fate Awaits ($9) and Hesitate ($9) following.

Outstanding form does not guarantee a place, though. Harnesslink’s latest forecast suggests the available partnerships are narrowing, leaving some talented horses facing a difficult path into the field.

Mad Monday could miss out

Last week Harnesslink had Mad Monday as the probable selection for Soho Standardbreds. Watson’s decision to keep his slot in-house with Soho Charmer has closed that door.

The Greg and Skye Bond-trained four-year-old has done plenty right, but Harnesslink now struggles to see where he fits among the remaining slots. TAB has him at $31.

With several other slot holders expected to favour horses they own, horses from established relationships or leading eastern states contenders, the western star may find a slot harder to secure than his form deserves.

His prospects could change if another selection falls through, but Harnesslink currently has him outside its predicted field.

Loader and Fate Awaits tipped to reunite

The biggest change to the forecast involves Fate Awaits ($9). A week ago Harnesslink had him as Solid Earth’s probable runner. It now forecasts that Wayne Loader’s Western Jewel slot will reunite with him.

Fate Awaits arrives in good order after another Albion Park win, his fourth from his past five starts.

That would leave Kevin Seymour looking elsewhere within his own racing team for Solid Earth’s representative. Path To Greatness ($12) is the only one of his options in TAB’s market. Fire Raiser is not listed.

Harnesslink has not named a standout for Solid Earth at this stage. It expects Seymour’s decision to depend on form and readiness as the race approaches.

Bettor Beach draws closer scrutiny

Harnesslink’s analysis continues to zero in on Bettor Beach ($8).

The Emma Stewart-trained filly led throughout over 2760 metres to win the Victoria Oaks, defeating Willows Girl for her seventh win from 10 starts. Her two Group 1 victories, outstanding winning sectionals and the preferential barrier draw make a compelling combination for the 2300-metre contest.

Her appeal goes beyond a fast finishing burst. The Oaks showed staying strength, and the draw conditions offer the prospect of an economical position against the leading males and older horses.

Harnesslink retains Bettor Beach as the probable selection for its own slot, with The Last Trip, Ark Sea ($16) and Alert Bay as the alternatives.

Hesitate and Cigano hold their places

Harnesslink continues to favour Hesitate for Go Racing. Third in last year’s Eureka, he is now trained by Jason Grimson and is a $9 chance with TAB. The Last Trip remains the alternative.

Cigano stays Harnesslink’s probable selection for Levarg Racing Group, in a potential partnership with the Stewart stable and with Jason Lee expected to drive. He won a free-for-all at Melton in a 1:52.8 mile rate over 2240 metres.

The Art Of Success remains the alternative for Levarg. At $5.50 she is TAB’s third favourite, and her only place in the forecast is as an alternative for that slot. She extended her winning sequence to 10 in September’s Vicbred four-year-old mares’ final.

An enviable dilemma for Team Zav

Danny Zavitsanos faces one of the more interesting decisions.

Fox Dan ($12) remains Harnesslink’s probable choice for Team Zav. He finished second in last year’s Eureka and has since won a Vicbred four-year-old final. Brooklyn Dan ($12) and Victoria Derby winner Dynamitedan, who is not listed by TAB, give Zavitsanos genuine alternatives.

Harnesslink expects the decision to rest on which horse offers the strongest combination of current form, suitability for Menangle and readiness to peak on the night.

Cordina’s slot attracts a strong queue

Daniel Cordina could have several hopefuls pressing their claims for Cordina Racing’s slot.

Last week Harnesslink had Alert Bay and The Last Trip as joint probable options. It now gives The Last Trip the edge following his South Australian Pacing Cup win. As TAB’s $4.50 second favourite, he is the shortest-priced horse yet to be named by a slot holder.

Yottie ($12), Ark Sea and Nocturnal remain possible alternatives. Yottie won the first of Saturday’s semi-finals by a half head from Frizza. Nocturnal is not listed by TAB.

This Saturday’s NSW Breeders Challenge finals at Menangle offer another chance for several of these horses to influence selections, with Loucasso also lining up.

The next performances may settle some decisions. For others, the challenge is choosing between several horses capable of earning their place.