Stablemates to take charge in semi-finals

ALONG with an extraordinary assault on Saturday night’s Victoria Cup, premier trainer Craig Cross is expected to play a strong role in the Breeders’ Challenge semi-finals at Club Menangle on the same evening.

Although he will remain in New South Wales, Cross has a record five runners in the Cup – Balraj, Bling It On, Alta Orlando, Cash N Flow and King Of Swing.

The previous record for the most Cup entrants belonged to the late Bob Knight, who had four starters in 1991.

Headed by the winner Sinbad Bay, Knight was also represented by Allan Grant, Almeta Boy and Jane Ellen.

As for his prospects close to home, Cross has four runners in three semis with each boasting winning chances.

Creating a huge impression during two runs from a spell, Bar Room Banta is the $1.28 favourite with TAB Fixed Odds.

With Luke McCarthy to take the reins, the son of A Rocknroll Dance has drawn to lead throughout from barrier three.

Bar Room Banta’s stablemate Electric Eye is considered to be among the favourite’s main dangers from gate four.

In the following colts’ and geldings’ qualifier Cross will be represented by the unbeaten Pantaloon, which is vying for favouritism from barrier two.

Cross’ sole runner in the fillies season, Soho Almasi, is the $1.80 favourite from barrier six.

It is interesting to note each of Cross’ two-year-olds are Australian Pacing Gold purchases.

“They’ve all come out of the sale and turning into good buys,” Cross said. “If they can win the Final they’ll be even better!

“Bar Room Banta should just win his semi and I’m pretty confident with the other three as well.

“As long as they don’t have bad luck on the night they will all make their way into the Finals.”