3 minute read

Connections of Perth Cup fancy Pop Culture's have elected to make a surprise switch to tackle the Listed WA St Leger instead of the weight-for-age Group 2 Cox Stakes at Ascot this Saturday.

The Colin Webster-trained four-year-old had accepted for this Saturday's Cox Stakes, a traditional lead-up to the Group 2 Perth Cup [2400m] before Webster decided that the St Leger would prove a far more ideal lead up race for the Cup.

"I would prefer her not to tackle a tough event like the Cox Stakes, at this stage of her cup preparation," Webster said.

"Pop Culture has 56kg in both races and Cox prize money is much higher, but the St Leger is restricted to three and four-years-olds and looks an easier assignment.

"In my opinion, the St Leger would be Pop Culture's ideal lead-up race to the cup."

Having proven successful in the Group 2 WA Oaks [2400m] last preparation, the daughter of Blackfriars has resumed in great order this time in having taken out the Listed Ascot Gold Cup [1800m] two starts back before producing a career best performance to finish fourth in the Group 1 Kingston Town Classic [1800m] behind Luckygray last start.