Sunday’s Horsham Cup shapes as a ripping contest, with country cup winners littered through a competitive field. 
Andrew Bobbin’s five-year-old gelding Rich Champagne heads in full of confidence following his brave Murtoa Cup win a fortnight ago, the Stawell trainer with his first runner in Horsham’s feature event. 
The son of Rich Enuff is sure to be sent forward from the 2100-metre start in the hopes of replicating his effort at Murtoa. 
He’ll likely have company from Pittsburgh Pirate, who looks to bounce back following a disappointing finish in the Coleraine Cup three weeks ago. The Henry Dwyer-trained six-year-old hit form around this time last year, securing the St Arnaud and Ararat cups on his way to a CRV Horse of the Year nomination. 
Horsham trainer Paul Preusker is searching for his fourth hometown cup win with his Coleraine Cup winner Commander Harry. The seven-year-old gelding settled for fourth in this race last year but has since joined the Preusker yard. Some local knowledge sure to be of assistance on Sunday.
They say races can be won and lost at the barrier draw, and the Horsham Cup is a striking example. The past 10 winners have jumped from gate six or lower, seven of those drawing gates one, two or three. Punters beware!
News mixed on stable stars
Wimmera cult hero Steparty has been dealt no favours at the barrier draw ahead of Saturday’s Group 3 Moonga Stakes at Caulfield. Preusker’s five-year-old has drawn the outside gate in a field of 11, making his task all the more difficult in a high-quality field. 
In brighter news for the camp, talented stayer Torranzino has come through his excellent run in the Bart Cummings without issue and remains in Melbourne Cup contention. 
The gelded son of Tarzino finished second at his first go at 2500 metres and currently sits at number 43 in the order of entry for the Cup, with a handful ahead of him very unlikely to proceed.