Cup Win An El Of A Task

Illawarra Mercury

Saturday January 12, 2008

By CHRIS ROOTS

GWENDA Markwell believes El Meroo is "poorly" handicapped with favourite Party Crasher in today's Listed Frank Underwood Cup (1900m) at Rosehill, but gives her stayer a hope of causing an upset.

After three runs from a spell, El Meroo is ready to hit his top but Markwell thinks Party Crasher has the edge at the weights.

"I think El Meroo will be better suited at this suit but he is poorly weighted in comparison to Party Crasher," Markwell said. "He was beaten 23/4 lengths last start by Party Crasher and meets him worse at the weights."

El Meroo carried 52.5kg, after Brett Poulus' claim, when he worked to the line well for third to Party Crasher, who scored with 53kg on his back, over 1550m on December 29.

The Markwell-trained six-year-old has to carry 55.5kg to 54.5kg this afternoon but will have the services of senior rider Larry Cassidy instead of Poulus.

The extra trip will suit El Meroo, who earned his handicap with a win the Country Cup (1600m) and a third in the Wagga Cup (2000m) at his last preparation.

"The 1900m will certainly help him but he needs there to be speed on to be a hope," Markwell said.

"We were happy with his run last time and I think he will be thereabouts."

TAB Sportsbet has El Meroo at $6 behind only Party Crasher, who is a $1.85 favourite.

Party Crasher is unbeaten this preparation, knocking off odds-on favourites Guillotine and Miss Pageantry at his two starts.

"They are prepared to take the shorts about Party Crasher," TAB Sportsbet's Glenn Munsie said.

"We have a little money for Legendary Man, who is $8 into $7, and Newport, $12 into $10."

Newport's trainer Paul Perry is also hoping for a solidly run affair for his stayer after he finished seventh to Honour In War in the Villiers (1400m) at Randwick last week.

"The pace of the race last week was against him, so under the circumstances you just have to forget the result," Perry said.

"This distance suits him better and I think he is on track for the Sydney Cup."

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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