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Whisky On The Hill set for 2026 Sydney Cup after recent Roy Higgins win

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A Melbourne Cup exemption is already locked in for Whisky On The Hill, leading some to ponder skipping the Sydney Cup to limit exposure to the handicapper.

This was debated by trainer Glen Thompson and the owners, though the strategic move outweighed sidestepping, confirming the durable stayer’s participation in Saturday’s Group 1 3200-metre spectacle at Randwick.

“There is always the concern about another win giving him more weight in the Melbourne Cup but that race is a long way away,” Thompson said.

“While he’s racing well, and I’ve seen it too many times that if you sit around and wait, you can kick yourself later on.

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“He’s fit and well and you have to have a crack. The golden ticket guarantees that you can be there but it doesn’t guarantee that you will.”

Thompson experienced profound emotion when Whisky On The Hill claimed the Listed Roy Higgins Quality (2600m) at Flemington back on March 28.

The triumph secured the gelding’s entry into the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 3.

Right now, preparations centre on Randwick, with rain anticipated to adjust the track by the weekend.

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“He had his main gallop on Monday morning and pulled up really well,” Thompson said.

“As long as he trots up well on Tuesday, he’ll head to Sydney on Tuesday night.”

Thompson, a veteran in the industry, recognises the variables over extended periods, and events of the Sydney Cup’s calibre are rare in Australian racing.

Damian Lane rode the six-year-old to victory in his latest major successes, such as the Roy Higgins and the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) at Flemington last November.

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“With 53.5-kilos, Damian Lane was keen to ride again and his feedback was a main factor,” Thompson said.

“If he was willing to get down to that weight, that is a very good push.”

For Saturday, Whisky On The Hill is quoted at $15, behind Ciaron Maher’s Mr Monaco as the $4.50 elect.

Visit betting sites to find the best racing betting markets for the Sydney Cup.

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Guardians vs. Royals Game 2: Odds, Predictions, Betting Tips & Starting lineups

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The Cleveland Guardians and the Kansas City Royals will continue their three-game divisional series on Tuesday at Progressive Field. Both teams are battling for early positioning in the American League Central.

The Royals won Game 1 on Monday, 4-2. Game 2 will start at 1:10 p.m. ET. Viewers can watch the game on Guardians.TV, Royals.TV and MLB.TV.


Cleveland Guardians vs Kansas City Royals odds

Money Line: Cleveland Guardians (-115), Kansas City Royals (-105)

Run Line: Cleveland Guardians +1.5 (-201), Kansas City Royals -1.5 (+165)

Total Runs: Over 7 (+100), Under 7 (-120)

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(Source: DraftKings Sportsbook)

(NB: Odds are subject to change)

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Preview – Starting Pitchers and Lineups

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher

Gavin Williams will take the mound for the Cleveland Guardians. The righty pitcher has looked sharp in the early stages of the 2026 season. He carries a 2.25 ERA after two starts.

Williams relies on a high-velocity four-seam fastball that generated a significant whiff rate in his previous outing.

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher

Noah Cameron will start on the mound for the Kansas City Royals. The lefty pitcher is looking to build on a stellar season debut against the Minnesota Twins. He earned a win and maintained a 1.80 ERA.

Cameron’s ability to command his secondary pitches will be crucial against the Giardians’ lineup that excels in contact hitting.

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Cleveland Guardians potential lineup

Left Field Steven Kwan (L)

Center Field Angel Martinez (S)

Third Base Jose Ramirez (S)

First Base Rhys Hoskins (R)

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Designated Hitter David Fry (R)

Shortstop Gabriel Arias (R)

Right Field CJ Kayfus (L)

Second Base Brayan Rocchio (S)

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Catcher Austin Hedges (R)

Kansas City Royals potential lineup

Third Base Maikel Garcia (R)

Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (R)

First Base Vinnie Pasquantino (L)

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Catcher Salvador Perez (R)

Designated Hitter Carter Jensen (L)

Second Base Jonathan India (R)

Right Field Jac Caglianone (L)

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Left Field Issac Collins (S)

Center Field Kyle Isbel (L)

(NB: S=Switch Hitter, R= Right-Handed Hitter, L=Left-Handed Hitter)


Prediction: Cleveland Guardians 4, Kansas City Royals 2

Gavin Williams has shown elite stuff early this season. His ability to overpower hitters should give him the advantage at home.

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Noah Cameron has also been impressive. However, the Guardians lineup features several dangerous switch-hitters like Jose Ramirez, who can neutralize the lefty-on-lefty advantage.

With the Guardians playing at Progressive Field, they are the favorite to take Game 2 (Money Line: Cleveland Guardians (-115))

The Guardians pitching staff has been one of the most consistent in the league through the first two weeks. Both starters have ERAs under 2.30. Therefore, the likelihood of a low-scoring defensive battle is high (Total Runs: Under 7 (-120))

Expect the Guardians to lean on their bullpen to secure a narrow victory and cover the spread on the conservative side (Run Line: Guardians +1.5 (-201)

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