Cranbourne will be airborne on Saturday as for the first time the running of the $500,000 Cranbourne Cup will be held as a stand-alone Metropolitan meeting.
Having previously been run on a Sunday, this year’s revamped edition will drop in distance from 2025m to 1600m, while also welcoming an inflated winner’s cheque.
Early (All In) markets suggest the Saturday’s feature will be hotly contested, with the Mathew Williams-trained gelding Harbour Views leading the betting as a $6 first elect with tab.com.au.
The Sofitel winner presents fourth-up from a spell and will be looking to atone his last start Seymour Cup defeat to Mr Brightside, when topweight.
Two Stakes Day winners in Our Playboy and Chatham Stakes victor Age Of Chivalry look primed to take their place in the field, with Damian Lane most likely to stick with the latter.
Not shy of Group 1 form, Buffalo River, King Magnus and Quantum Mechanic are all likely to continue their campaigns after their performances in the Cantala Mile a fortnight ago.
Peninsula Cup winner Doubt Dory is also an expected starter, having gained his spot into the Listed event through Racing Victoria’s newly identified win-and-in concept.
Melbourne Cup winning trainer Chris Waller won’t be without a chance, with six-year-old gelding Aramayo heading the second line of betting at $8.
After a luckless run during Cup Week, Waller will also be looking for redemption with his mare April Rain, as she looks set to take her place in the Rosemont Stud Fillies & Mares Pendant (1400m), with Damien Lane likely to pilot.