The heats for the 2024 Group 1 Brisbane Cup, held on June 27, set the stage for an exciting final on Thursday, July 4, at Albion Park. With a $750,000 prize for the winner, here’s a recap of the key performances in each heat and the runners to watch in the final.
Brisbane Cup Heat 1: Zipping Megatron's Commanding Performance
In the first heat, Zipping Megatron, trained by Tony Brett, displayed a dominant performance, completing the 520m race in 29.66 seconds. With a strong start and steady pace, Zipping Megatron maintained his lead, finishing 3.50 lengths ahead of Kahlo Hayze. Plum Tuckered secured third place.
Brisbane Cup Heat 2: Lakeview Emily Shines
Lakeview Emily, also trained by Tony Brett, excelled in the second heat, finishing in 29.93 seconds. In a close finish, Tagovailoa came second, just 0.13 lengths behind, with Sunset Frazier completing the top three.
Brisbane Cup Heat 3: Explicit’s Dominance
Jason Thompson's Explicit showed exceptional form in the third heat, clocking in at 29.96 seconds. Zipping Optimise finished 4.50 lengths behind in second place, while Samurai Mind took third, underscoring Explicit’s potential for the final.
Brisbane Cup Heat 4: Good Odds Cobber Takes the Lead
Good Odds Cobber, trained by Frank Hurst, secured the fourth heat with a time of 30.17 seconds. Journey Beyond finished a close second, just 2.25 lengths behind, and Fear The Dragon came in third in a tightly contested race.
Brisbane Cup Heat 5: Smooth Plane's Swift Run
Smooth Plane, trained by Thomas Dailly, won the fifth heat with an impressive 29.92 seconds. Zipping Caleb was a close second, trailing by 0.50 lengths, and Morton finished third, 1.00 length behind.
Brisbane Cup Heat 6: Mepunga Smokey’s Surprise Victory
Jeffrey Britton's Mepunga Smokey won the sixth heat in 29.84 seconds. Shima Current finished second, 5.25 lengths behind, while the $1.90 favourite Mackenna took third place.
Brisbane Cup Heat 7: Excavation's Outstanding Performance
Jason Thompson’s Excavation delivered the fastest time of all eight heats, finishing in 29.47 seconds. Overflow Beau took second place, 5.00 lengths behind, and Flaming Galah finished third. Excavation's dominance was evident throughout the race.
Brisbane Cup Heat 8: Flying Zulu's Impressive Win
In the final heat, Flying Zulu, under Jason Thompson’s guidance, secured victory with a time of 29.97 seconds. Trooper Tears finished second, 4.75 lengths behind, and Get Carter came in third.
These heats have set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying final at the 2024 Brisbane Cup.