Eurokash wins Group 2 Anzac Cup

Greg and Nina Hope didn’t bring super trotter Muscle Mountain (Muscle Hill) to Alexandra Park tonight (May 19), but second stringer Eurokash (Love You) got the harness racing business done in style in the HR Fisken & Sons 2023 Anzac Cup. 

Driven by John Dunn the five year old began well and was placed nicely behind leader Resolve (Andover Hall). Once he found the passing lane he sprinted too well for the chasing bunch and won by two lengths from Invictus (Peak). 

It was Eurokash’s eighth win and first Group victory.  

“We thought he was probably another year away from competing at this level, but he proved us wrong. The pleasing thing is that he got the trip, handled the track for the first time and it was a huge effort by the horse really,” Greg Hope said. 

EUROKASH REPLAY

As a young horse Eurokash won his first two starts as a two year old and performed at the highest level at three. 

“He was a good wee two year old but just went off the boil. He busted a splint bone and had a few minor issues which I think was a blessing in disguise because it gave him a wee bit more time. He’s always trotted the Auckland way really well. He’s a great staying horse so if they get really hard over the two miles next week, he’ll enjoy that.”   

When asked about Muscle Mountain and his chances next week in the Group One Rowe Cup, Hope was upbeat about the giant trotter’s chances. 

“We couldn’t be happier with him. He’s jumping out of his skin and training unbelievably. We just hope we have as good a week next week as we’ve had this week. He puts everything into his races, he’s a massive big horse and he likes his races spaced. He’s super.” 

Bring on the Rowe Cup.  

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink