Murrumbidgee Turf Club director chases Wagga Gold Cup success with Spirit Ridge

Bradley is a part owner in the Mark Newnham-trained Spirit Ridge and is excited to have the import here for the Cup.

"Very excited. It's been a while since I've had one and this was a little bit unexpected," Bradley said.

"It was only after he pulled up well after the Sydney Cup that the decision was made to come to Wagga. It was always going to be between Wagga and Gosford, like a lot of the other horses that were in the field. He drew well here and drew poorly at Gosford so he's here."

Bradley finished second with Beyond Thankful in 2014 and said to land a Wagga Gold Cup would be as big a thrill as any.

"It would be like winning a group one. I think everyone wants to win their local cup and we've come close before, we've run second, and it's just great to be back here with a real live chance to perhaps win it," he said.

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Spirit Ridge is the $4.80 second favourite and has the services of Nash Rawiller in the saddle.

Bradley has high hopes.

"He'll be strong and this track will suit him," he said.

"He's a front-running horse, he doesn't over-race but he does like to be in a forward position so that should suit him here. He's got a lot of weight but I don't think that will effect him being a forward runner on the day and the long straight will suit him."

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