For our Thursday Racing Tips on July 16th, including our Grafton Best Bets and 2026 Grafton Cup Tips, simply scroll down!
Comic Culture has turned to action in sharp form this time and looks a key winning chance again on Grafton Cup Day.
The Capitalist gelding was transferred to the care of Canberra trainer Rob Potter earlier this year and debuted for his new team with a fine performance to break his maiden over 1280m in the nation’s capital.
Having finished second behind an impressive Neeson in Class 2 company at his only other start so far, he takes further improvement into this contest and has options in the run today from the rails draw.
| 2. Comic Culture (1) J: Alysha Collett 59.5kg 43×12T: Rob Potter | |||
| Third-up today and placed third-up previously. First-up won by a nose at Canberra Acton Mdn-Sw May 22 over 1280m defeating Hold My Drink with 59kg at $1.35. Last start sat on speed throughout when 2nd of 12 at Canberra Acton Cl2-Sw on June 12 over 1280m, 3.5 len behind Neeson with 57kg at $5.50. Well placed. Nicely drawn and should prove hard to beat. | |||
I thought that By The Way looked well placed to break her maiden on Grafton Cup Day.
We haven’t seen the Encryption filly at the races since February, but she showed some ability during her first prep, filling the minors on debut at the Gold Coast before stepping out in metro company.
This looks to be the weakest task she’s been set, and she can begin her journey through the grades.
| 5. By The Way (6) J: Ben Looker 57kg 39xT: Stirling Osland | |||
| Racing first-up today. Finished off last preparation ninth of 12 at Eagle Farm 3yo Mdn-Sw February 18 over 1400m, soft track; 4.5 len behind Mythology carrying 56kg at $3.80. On debut third of 12 at Gold Coast 3yo Mdn-Sw January 23 over 1200m, 1.4 len behind Ode To Beauty carrying 56kg at $1.75. This is an ideal race to kick off. Has plenty going for her and is sure to prove hard to beat. | |||
I’m keen to be with Pounding I this afternoon’s Grafton Cup.
A Group 1 placegetter, Pounding has turned back the clock in his current preparation; unlucky not to gain ballot-free entry into a Melbourne Cup when second in the Andrew Ramsden at Flemington, before again finishing the runner up in both the Q22 and the Tattersall’s Cup.
In peak order today and under Luke Nolen, the $7 about him in Grafton Cup betting at publish is a touch of overs, in my opinion.
| 2. Pounding (5) J: Luke Nolen 58kg 24222T: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | |||
| Form hard to fault. Most recently 2nd in a small field at Eagle Farm in the G3 Tatt’s Cup on June 27 over 2400m, on a slow track; long-neck behind Asterix with 56kg at $3.70. The run before that 2nd of 9 at Eagle Farm in the G2 Q22 Wfa on June 13 over 2200m, on heavy track; 1.5 len behind Royal Supremacy with 59kg at $61. Close to a win. Continues to race well without winning – must go in the exotics. | |||
I’m keen to end Grafton Cup Day with something on Tectonic Plate in the last.
Tectonic Plate has improved noticeably with each of three runs back from a break, and after taking up the running last time out, he was only just denied late.
In peak order today, he can lob up front again and with a light weight in tow, he’ll be in it for a long way again.
| 9. Tectonic Plate (3) J: Kirk Matheson 54kg 2×062T: Daniel Bowen | |||
| Last start sat on speed throughout when 2nd of 15 at this track John Carlton on July 5 over 1190m, on a slow track; 0.6 len behind My Mum’s Toyboy with 59kg at $8.50. The race before that 6th of 8 at Sunshine Coast Hcp on June 14 over 1000m, on heavy track; 4 len behind Click Click Boom with 57kg at $3.60. Heading the right way and should be cherry ripe for this. | |||