Champion trainer Darren Weir holds all the aces in the Adelaide Cup after Real Love and Signoff won the key lead-up races on Saturday.
Signoff is now favourite for the $400,000 Group 2 after a dominant display in the Group 3 Lord Reims Stakes (2600m) at Morphettville while Real Love took out the Listed Roy Higgins Quality (2600m).
The pair sit atop CrownBet’s market for South Australia’s premier staying race, with Signoff a $2.20 favourite and Real Love at $3.
Weir was on hand at Flemington and couldn’t have been happier with Real Love’s performance.
“Each run she’s progressed really well, she’s come on at home with her training as well and got a lovely ride from Brad (Rawiller),” Weir said.
“At the furlong I thought the other horse (Dandy Gent) was going to run past her but she toughed it out really well.
WATCH: Real Love’s win
“I would think that would have her spot on for Adelaide. The two mile won’t be a problem the way she ran through the line there.”
Signoff was completely dominant in the Lord Reims, the traditional lead-up for the Cup, winning by 6.4 lengths untouched.
The multiple premiership-winning trainer was keen to separate his two stars and reckons he pulled the right rein sending them where he did.
“The beauty about today is no trip to Adelaide (for Real Love),” Weir said.
“That’s the key, that was the deciding factor ... a trip to Adelaide now and then home for six days and then back for another trip to Adelaide - it’s hard enough on a mare, but won’t be a problem for Signoff - it’d do him good.
“They’ve both been aimed at the (Adelaide Cup), so hopefully we’ll get two (good chances) in it.”