Macquereau Caps Off Cup Prep with Ladies Day Win

Townsville Cup contender Macquereau was back in his Tolga stables bucking his brand off 24 hours after a classy win in his final lead-up run on Ladies Day at Cluden Park on Saturday.

Macquereau added to his easy NQ Cup win in early July with a slashing win in the Ray White Townsville Magnetic Island Mile (1609m).

The Sharlee Hoffman-trained gelding lumped 61 kg to a soft win with heavy weight jockey Aidan Holt in the saddle.

Hoffman said the eight-year-old would “most probably” line-up in next Saturday’s Cup.

“He’s out there bucking his brand off this morning,” Hoffman said on Sunday.

“I’m leaning towards running him. I’ll put the nom and wait another day or two if I have to see how he does.

“I’m a bit nervous about it actually, whether we go around or wait for Cairns.

“He travels like a dream to Townsville and races so well there. It was a very strong win and hopefully he won’t get too much weight.”

Macquereau was always in a striking position in Saturday’s lead-up and after kicking clear at the 200m was given an easy run to the line by Holt to win by two lengths.

Regular rider Lacey Morrison will be back aboard Macquereau for the Cups.

The barrier draw for the Cleveland Bay and the Townsville Cup will be held at the Picnic Bay SLSC at Strand Park at 6pm on Wednesday.

Pictured: In a breeze, Macquereau caps off his Cup preparation with an easy win for jockey Aidan Holt on Ladies Day.

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