Delane's double chance in Cup

Albany trainer Garry Delane is delighted with his dual attack heading into Sunday’s $60,000 Albany Advertiser Fitzpatrick Plate (1200m) at the Percy Spencer Racecourse.

Delane will have Balavan and Daintree Road in the sprint feature on Albany Cup day, which has attracted a quality field of 15.

Former Victorian and NSW galloper Balavan will jump from barrier two with Shaun Meeres aboard, at only his second start in WA.

Balavan finished eighth behind Dangerously in his WA race debut at Ascot on April 5, beaten by 4¾ lengths.

“He got into trouble early in the race,” Delane said.

“He probably needs one or two runs to bring him to his peak.

“These tracks are a bit tight for him as well — he will enjoy getting to Belmont.”

Daintree Road has been in superb form, finishing runner-up at his past two starts at Ascot.

The seven-year-old will be ridden by Jason Brown with 55.5kg on his back and Delane was bullish about his chances.

“I am more than happy with him,” he said.

Delane will also saddle up Insurgency in the $90,000 Albany Cup (2100m) but said leading local trainer Steve Wolfe’s runners were the ones to beat.

“I think Wolfey has got the upper hand in both major races,” he said.

Wolfe has Ancient Spell resuming first up in the feature race and will also start I See Luck.

Fellow local hopes include Sonny Biscay (Alan McGuinniss), Catzilla (Neil Lee), Du Printemps (Paul Hunter), and Talk Of Angels (Paul Hunter).

Grant Williams has Pure Glamour engaged in the race, coming off a fourth behind Testamezzo at Ascot last Saturday.

Top WA rider William Pike will ride at the eight-race card along with Brad Parnham, Troy Turner and Peter Knuckey.

The Albany Cup is scheduled for 4.15pm, with the Fitzpatrick Plate down to start at 3.35pm.