The third race on Saturday, September 5, 2026 is named after one of the leading thoroughbreds to ever race locally.
On Philip Feanny Gold Cup Day, this race honours the career of Eros, who was trained during his entire career by Feanny.
The Eros is for locally bred horses three and four-year-old non-winner of four races, and also for three-year olds and up foreigners – non winners of three races.
Five are entered to compete going a distance of 5 furlongs round.
1 – MCMULLEN (USA)
Got off the mark second time out at 5 ½ furlongs, easily defeating rivals by 10 lengths in a time of 1:06.1. McMullen in his two starts to date has shown he is capable of early speed, yet he can sit behind then strike when required. Leading in this one is going to be difficult, therefore has to be ridden judiciously.
2 – THE LEVITICUS
Has not been in the best nick of late. Now he races with the visor and figure 8 on, which hopefully will enhance his chances.
3 – PEPPER STEPPER (USA)
A renowned speedball, who has developed the habit of shutting off in the final part of his races, even over the shortest distances. Pepper Stepper will again go to the lead, but has to be controlled so as not to die in the final furlong. The rider has to be careful.
4 – MIDNIGHT TRAVELLER
Completely out of her league.
5 – TAYLOR MADE
After playing second fiddle to stablemate, Dream Catcher, exits her three-year-old conditions to race against seasoned and older rivals for the first time. This is a new adventure for this filly. Needs time to acclimatize.
Pepper Stepper is almost guaranteed to tear out to the lead; the race will ultimately come down to how well that speed is managed over the early fractions. The Leviticus and Midnight Traveller both appear up against it, while Taylor Made faces a steep learning curve stepping up into open company against more seasoned runners. This leaves McMullen as the prime choice to take top honours; his proven performance at the distance, coupled with his ability to stalk the pace and strike late, gives him the tactical upper hand if the frontrunner falters in the stretch.
