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Hobart Cup a logical target.
Alhambra Lad ($2.50) showed that he will be the horse to beat in the $300,000 Hobart Cup (2400m) on 11 February, if connections decide to stay on, after his emphatic win in the $100,000 Aviso Tas Insurance Brokers Summer Cup (2100m) in Hobart on Sunday.
The 6YO travelled three-wide with cover for most of the trip before jockey Jye Mcneil let him loose at the 600m, and he raced clear to win by 3.5 lengths from Devonport Cup winner Ashy Boy ($5.50) with Swoop Dog ($3.80) third.
"It was probably not the most economical run, but it suited the horse, and it's probably the best-case scenario from that draw," McNeil said.
"He was impressive today, so if it all works out, I'd love to partner him in the Hobart Cup."
The win made it two for the day for McNeil, who won the previous race aboard Wings Of Song.
Assaranca showed a glimpse of form running on strongly from last on the home turn to finish fourth and could pick up a race in the near future.
Onto more feature races for AlvarinhoSmart mare Alvarinho will be set for the newly named $150,000 Mystic Journey Stakes (1200m) on 9 February after her exciting win in the Winning Edge Presentations Lady Lynette (1100m).
Trainer Imogen Miller had no hesitation in outlining her plans after Alvarinho ($4) scored the biggest of her five career wins.
"We really thought at the end of the season last year that we wanted to target the mares races.
"With her last win, we thought if she won or ran well, we would target these races," Miller said.
Alvarinho scored by a length from Jaguar Stone ($2.40), with Thunberg ($14) a length further back third.
