Guy debating Grafton Cup run

Trainer Bryan Guy has to decide whether to run Protest in the Grafton Cup or at Doomben.

The chance to get black-type has co-trainer Bryan Guy leaning towards running talented staying mare Protest in the Listed Grafton Cup instead of Doomben.

Protest, who Guy trains in partnership with his son Daniel, is in the $160,000 Cup (2350m) on Thursday and a restricted class race over 2220m at Doomben a day earlier.

The mare showed she was back on track with a strong win over 1800m on a heavy track at the Gold Coast at her most recent start.

Guy has always had a big opinion of Protest, who is part owned by his daughter Katy, but the mare’s career has been hampered by a lack of suitable distance races.

“Every time she has got to distances past 2000 metres she has been competitive. Even as a three-year-old she ran a great race in the Oaks at Doomben over 2200 metres when she was tenth after being asked to make a long run very deep on the track,” Guy said.

“To finish as close as she did in the Oaks confirmed what we thought of her.

“When she got to 1800 metres last time she really revelled on the heavy ten track and a wet track could be a key to where she goes on Wednesday.”

Both Doomben and Grafton were in the hevy range at acceptance time on Monday.

Guy said he was keen to get black-type with the mare who is well bred being by top sire Smart Missile out of a Zabeel mare, Quibble.

“If she runs in the first three in the Grafton Cup she will get black-type. A wet track would certainly be a help for her to do that,” Guy said.

Protest has drawn barrier 13 of 14 at GraftoN.

The race favourite Igraine has gone up five kilograms for her win in the Caloundra Cup and her New Zealand trainer Robert Priscott is also hoping for a wet track.

The mare does not appreciate hard tracks as was the case in a couple of her early runs this winter.