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Race Talk: Australian Cup showdown looms

Comment | Author: glenn watson  |  Mar 5, 2012

Lee Freedman is confident Lucas Cranach is ready for a showdown with former French stayer and 2010 Melbourne Cup winner Americain in Saturday's $1 million Gr1 event over 2000 metres at Flemington.
At their only meeting, Lucas Cranach was a slashing third in last year's Melbourne Cup after an interrupted spring campaign with feet issues while Americain finished a luckless fourth.
The pair dominate TAB Sportsbet's Australian Cup market with Americain, resuming and having his first start for David Hayes, $3.40 favourite while Lucas Cranach is pressing at $3.60.
Freedman said it would be an exciting rematch with Americain after Lucas Cranach had won so well first up in the traditional Cup lead up, the Group Two Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on February 25.
"I think the run has improved him and he did a bit of pace work on Thursday and seemed nice and bright," Freedman said.
Lucas Cranach unleashed a brilliant finishing run to win the Young Stakes 10 days ago by 1-1/2 lengths from other imported stayers Illo and Manighar.

He was the only horse to break 58 seconds for his last 1000 metres, bursting home in an impressive 57.78s, with his last 400m in 22.68s.

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