2023 Kingsford Smith Cup Top Selections and Tips

Kingsford Smith Cup Tips

The Kingsford Smith Cup is a Brisbane Racing Club registered Group One contest which takes place over a distance of 1300m at the historic Eagle Farm Racecourse under weight for age racing conditions.

The Group One Kingsford Smith Cup is worth $1m in prize money to entrants and connections with many runners in the race looking to use the Group One as a tune up race before tackling the riches of the Stradbroke Handicap.

First run in 1964 the Kingsford Smith Cup is a relatively new kid on the block when it comes to Group One contest having only been designated G1 status from 2006. 

Since becoming a Group One in 2006 the Kingsford Smith Cup has continued to rise in note on the racing calendar with a number of big names winning editions of the race. Chief De Beers, Black Caviar and Hot Snitzel to name a few.

In 2022 however the race was won by Queensland local Apache Chase who beat home Godolphin trained Paulele and Greg Hickmans Eleven Eleven while Rothfire finished fourth. 

Apache Chase won’t be defending his title this year however with Paulele and Rothfire listed in the final field could either one go better than last year to scoop the $1m Prize Pool.

2023 Kingsford Smith Cup Race Overview

18 runners are set to contest the Group One Kingsford Smith Cup in 2023 after the scratching of Promise Of Success for the John O’Shea stable was confirmed earlier in the week.  

Trainer Joe Pride has the market leader in what appears to be a very open race with Think It Over currently sitting as a $6 market leader. A number of runners are stacking up behind the favourite however with A Case Of You and Rothfire both level on the second line of betting at $6.50.

It wouldn’t be a Group One race without Godolphin showing a strong hand and Vilana represents the Royal Blue at $7 in the market. James McDonald takes the ride seemingly preferring the chances of Vilana over Paulele who sits as a $12 chance in betting.

Of the best of the rest we see the old warhorse Eduardo looking for another Group One title at $12, while Converge ($12),  Gentleman Roy ($23) and Chaillot ($19) have all seen support through the week.

2023 Kingsford Smith Cup Top Selections

As usual we’re picking our tips based on the Outside Chance, A Main Danger and our Best Bet for the 1300m Group One Race. 

2023 Kingsford Smith Cup Outside Chance - 7. King Of Sparta (2)

Trainer - Peter & Paul Snowden

Price - $8

King Of Sparta has been showing signs he’s getting back to his best of late. A strong show behind Rothfire in the Group 2 Victory Stakes last time out showed he can compete with this field. 

Before that he got too far back in the Group One William Reid and wasn’t able to get near Imperatriz despite finishing off well.

A month between runs and wouldn’t be a surprise if he shows up here.

2023 Kingsford Smith Cup Main Danger - 5. Vilana (13)

Trainer - James Cummings

Price - $7.00

James Cummings is having a season for the ages and he looks to have another live chance in Vilana here at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

He’s third up today and while he did finish seventh last time out in the Doomben 10,000 he was only 2.5 lengths of Giga Kick who was an impressive winner that day. 

The step up in distance should suit and should have a real chance to be in the frame at the finish. 

2023 Kingsford Smith Cup Best Bet - 4. Rothfire (7)

Trainer - Robert Heathcote

Price - $6.50

Rothfire is our top pick for the Group One Kingsford Smith Cup for experienced trainer Robert Heatcote.

Rothfire has been going well in recent months when finishing second in the Listed Ascot Handicap when carrying 61kgs before winning the Group 2 Victory Stakes over 1200m.

The booking of Blake Shinn is a big tick, the extra distance looks to suit and the stable have already given him a vote of confidence this week and at $6.50 for the win he presents great value from the solid draw.

Kingsford Smith Cup Best Bet - Back Rothfire to win or eachway

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