Capecover from Karaka to Cup

Evidence of Karaka's record for producing Classic and Cups winning racehorses was witnessed again yesterday when Capecover toiled his way to his second Australian Group victory in the Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) at Morphettville yesterday.

The Patrick Payne trained galloper fought off stable-mate Kerdem (Rainbow Quest) who had filled the same runner-up position in the 2009 Adelaide Cup behind Anthony Cummings' Zavite (Zabeel), a contestant in the Group 1 Stella Artois Auckland Cup (3200m) tomorrow.

Both the Payne trained gallopers settled to the rear of the field in Adelaide's time honoured Cup which was run for A$400,000 this year.

Dolphin Jo rolled along in front, setting a solid tempo. Rounding for home Capecover (Stephen Arnold) and Kerdem (Michelle Payne) both started working into the race and they made ground strongly with Capecover getting the upper hand and winning by a length in 3.28.8 on a Dead 4 track.

Previously a winner of the Group 3 VRC Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2500m) and the Group 3 CJC Metropolitan Trophy (2500m), Capecover finally proved he could stay the two mile trip after unsuccessful attempts in the 2007 New Zealand Cup, the 2009 Auckland Cup, and the 2009 Melbourne Cup.

With close to $1,000,000 in earnings, Capecover is part-owned by New Zealand trainer Kevin Myers, who purchased him for $40,000 from the 2004 Karaka Select Sale from Esker Lodge, along with K Barker and JNW Brookes.

Capecover hails from a family chock full of black-type. His half-sister Upsetthym (Rhythm) won the Group 1 Auckland Cup and also contested a Group 1 Melbourne Cup, while his grand-dam is a half-sister to Group 1 English Derby winner Slip Anchor (Shirley Heights).

With the success of New Zealand Bloodstock graduates in Cup races throughout Australasia in the past few seasons it will pay to watch the following NZB graduates in tomorrow's Group 1 Stella Artois Auckland Cup (3200m):