Sapphire Coast Racing Preview: Bega Cup and Best Bets for Sunday
NSW form analyst Shayne O'Cass delivers his comprehensive race-by-race analysis and expert betting advice for the Sapphire Coast meeting scheduled for Sunday, February 1, 2026. The highlight of the program is the prestigious Bega Cup, which carries significant Big Dance eligibility for the winner.
Bega Cup Feature: Associate Leads the Charge
Flashy chestnut gelding Associate, trained by Danielle Seib, arrives at the Sapphire Coast as the pre-post favourite priced at $3.50 for the Bega Cup over 1600 metres. This race offers the valuable bonus of Big Dance eligibility, potentially setting up a return to Randwick for either the Big or Little Dance later in the year.
Associate's only previous appearance at this venue came in last year's Bega Cup, where he produced a remarkable performance. The son of Star Witness launched from last position at the turn in a field of sixteen to finish a gallant sixth, beaten by just three lengths in a rapidly closing finish.
Seib's gelding is technically dropping in class this weekend, returning to country grade racing immediately following a city assignment. His most recent run resulted in an even sixth placing among eleven runners in a leader-dominated Benchmark 72 event over 1800 metres on the Kensington track.
"It just turned into a bit of a sit and sprint affair," Seib explained. "He ran well but back to the mile suits him on Sunday. I think a genuine gallop would be appreciated. Obviously, we have drawn a little bit sticky and it's never easy at the Sapphire Coast when you're drawn wide, as the track can play up and in a little bit. But he continues to hold form and that holds him in good stead. It is a competitive race; there is no such thing as a 'gimme' at this level but I am happy with how he has continued to progress and train on."
The Bega Cup will mark Associate's seventh and final run of his current campaign, which has been highlighted by his impressive victory in the annual Ted Ryder event in the Riverina prior to his city engagement. Should he prove successful on Sunday, Associate's career earnings will surpass the $300,000 milestone, continuing his excellent return on investment for connections.
Promising Three-Year-Old Dunna Runna
Trainer Danielle Seib also holds high hopes for three-year-old Dunna Runna, who makes just his third career start in the 2EC & Power FM Maiden Handicap over 1000 metres. Born and bred at Segenhoe Stud, this gelding by Dundeel is a brother to VRC Sires' Produce winner Let'srollthedice.
"He's a nice horse. We've got quite an opinion of him," Seib revealed. "He experienced some interference in his first start at Goulburn and then was completely devoid of luck in his second start at Orange, where he really should have won. I suspect he will sprint well fresh, and from the inside gate, we're hoping they run along so we can have the last shot at them."
Shayne O'Cass' Top Selections
Best Bet: Race 8 No. 5: REMADOSI - This Reliable Man mare continues to improve with each run and represents excellent value.
Next Best: Race 1 No. 1: BRUCEY - Combines a good trainer, capable jockey, favourable draw, and impressive trial form.
Value Bet: Race 6 No. 9: COUGARS - A previous Highway winner who performs particularly well at this track and distance.
Multi Betting Strategies
Daily Double: First Leg: 9, Second Leg: 5
Quaddie: Race 5: 6, 10; Race 6: 1, 5, 9; Race 7: 6, 7, 8; Race 8: 5
Jockey to Follow
The State's leading jockey Pierre Boudvillain takes the ride on Bega Cup favourite Associate and could enjoy a successful day at the Sapphire Coast meeting.
Race-by-Race Analysis
Race 1: 2EC & Power FM Country Boosted Showcase Maiden Handicap 1000m
BRUCEY (1) impressed trial watchers with a stylish victory in his recent Goulburn heat and should attract significant support. PURE MELODY (8) brings deep form lines, having finished runner-up to Triptolemus on debut before placing fourth behind Autumn Break.
Betting Strategy: Brucey to win, exacta/quinella 1/8
Race 2: Bega Chamber Of Commerce Showcase Class 2 Handicap 1200m
TRIPTOLEMUS (4) has won two of his three starts, including a commanding victory in a Benchmark 58 at Wagga last start. Barrier two enhances his prospects. LADY YARROW (9) boasts solid form figures and ran Autumn Break to a narrow margin at Wagga in August.
Betting Strategy: Triptolemus to win, quinella 4,9
Race 3: Bega Betta Home Living Benchmark 58 Handicap 1200m
SHEZAIN (7) deserves tremendous credit for her victory at Moruya earlier this month, nearly two years after her only previous start. She possesses Highway class ability but faces a challenge from barrier eleven. DEEPWATER ARTIST (2) has shown consistent promise in four starts and will be harder to beat following his first-up effort.
Betting Strategy: Shezain to win, quinella 2,7
Race 4: Bateup Racing Sapphire Coast Cup - Benchmark 66 Showcase Handicap 2200m
BURGUNDY GIRL (2) finished within four lengths of the Country Classic winner at Rosehill and closed willingly when third over 2000m at Canberra last start. JIMMY MANOLO (5) arrives very fit with his last four runs at 2000m or 2100m, and his best form would see him competitive in this Benchmark 66 event.
Betting Strategy: Burgundy Girl each-way
Race 5: Superior Oysters Showcase Super Maiden Plate 1400m
BELLEISTIC BONNY (10) carries the lightest weight in the field and appears the best horse in the race, just ahead of RING OF FIRE (6). Lightly-raced pair SURVIVABEEL (12) and EDIKA (2) both have claims, particularly the former given her favourable barrier draw.
Betting Strategy: Belleistic Bonny to win, trifecta 2,6,10,12 (boxed)
Race 6: Bega Valley Automotive Bega Showcase Sprint 1200m
COUGARS (9) has contested four TAB Highways, including a victory at Randwick on December 27. Her last start at Wyong can be forgiven. PANIC (5) deserves reward for consistent efforts, having been finishing strongly in recent Cups and Town Plates, including an excellent third at Kembla last start.
Betting Strategy: Cougars to win, exacta 9 to beat, Daily Double first leg 9, second leg 5
Race 7: Bega Cheese Big Dance Eligibility Bega Showcase Cup 1600m
TARTANA (7) boasts compelling statistics: three starts at the track for a win, second, and third; five runs at the distance for a win, two seconds, and a third; and two attempts at this track and distance for a win and second. Jockey Jess Taylor has ridden her nineteen times for three wins and eight placings. ASSOCIATE (6) returns from city grade to country level and drops back from 1800m to 1600m.
Betting Strategy: Tartana each-way, quinella 6,7, trifecta 6,7,8,10
Race 8: Bega Bobcats Country Magic Benchmark 58 Showcase Handicap 1400m
REMADOSI (5) represents the Joseph and Jones stable and appears their best chance across the two-day Bega carnival. This Gerry Harvey-bred daughter of Reliable Man is unbeaten in two starts at 1400m and promises to improve further when stepped up to a mile. SIR LUNCHALOTS (11) possesses more talent than his 51 rating suggests, while MISS STALWART (2) is next best.
Betting Strategy: Remadosi to win
