Racing: Liam Birchley back to add Wellington Cup to CV

Liam Birchley is making his first trip to Trentham with Pop 'N' Scotch. Photo / Trish Dunell

Liam Birchley has enjoyed major overseas success with younger members of his Eagle Farm stable and now he's looking to an older representative of the team to follow suit.

The Queenslander first made his mark in New Zealand in 2009 when Sarge In Charge finished runner-up in the Karaka Million and he was back a year later to go one better with Sister Havana.

He was again celebrating at Ellerslie in 2015 when Hardline was successful in the country's richest 2-year-old race.

Birchley is now looking to add the Wallaceville Estate Wellington Cup at Trentham with Pop 'N' Scotch to his list of Kiwi conquests.

"He's a good stayer and, to be honest, there weren't many other options with him," he said.

"There's not enough races long enough for him, so Trentham suits him.

"We started looking around for other options a while ago and hopefully he goes well."

The winner of four races, Pop 'N' Scotch boasts an interesting formline for Trentham, having finished runner-up in the 2015 Queensland Cup. He was beaten by Mister Impatience, who won last year's Wellington Cup and will defend his title.

Pop 'N' Scotch further underlined his two mile qualities when he again finished runner-up in the Queensland Cup last July. Most recently, the 6-year-old finished third under 59.5kg over 2200m at the Gold Coast.

"His last run was pretty good and while he can be a little bit in and out, on his day he's pretty effective." Birchley said.

"We may stay on for the Auckland Cup," he said. "There's not much else for him so it could be a good idea to hang around over there."

- NZ Racing Desk.