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What did we say last week about the ladies? Little were we to know that another unheralded mare would take the Cox Plate.
Must say it was a surprise and the 25-1 was certainly a good reflection of that.
With the greatest of respect, the win of Pinker Pinker was probably a great indication of what we've been saying all year.
It is that the WFA stocks are so low at the moment that upsets are happening regularly with no champion at the middle distance. Luck in running can, more than ever, determine the results as we saw in the case of Pinker Pinker.
Just consider those contests at a mile or longer in the Melbourne Spring.
Only December Draw's Turnbull (and it was at Set Weights and Penalties) is the only example of a favourite saluting. He was 10-9.
We've seen Littorio take the Makybe Diva at 40-1, Rekindled Interest at 6-1 in the Dato Tan Chin Nam, the late Lion Tamer scored in the Underwood at 15-1 and Descarado kept the roll going in the Caulfield Stks at 12-1 before the mare's win on Saturday.
What these upset results also explain is perhaps why punters put their faith in Helmet when he was heavily backed even as a 3yo.
That, and a perception leaders were being somewhat advantaged, although once the rain came, it is usually inside off at Moonee Valley.
Photo by Bronwen Healy
The thing about Helmet is while he is a dual G1 mile winner at two or three, he is by a speed sire.
Carving out amazing sectionals around Caulfield against your own age is one thing - staying on under pressure with hardened warriors putting it to you is another. Something to remember for next year!
And so those 3yos by Zabeel or High Chaparral are more likely to handle it when the acid test is put on than those who are better when rolling along on speed in lead ups.
Helmet is a good horse but it's fair to say he isn't a stayer or 2000m horse, not yet anyway.
The other thing I haven't raised is what a controlled and decisive ride it was by Craig Williams.
If you watch it again he sprung quickly to find a spot one off, held that position all the way to school, then as others got itchy he rode for luck.
Sure the mare was ridden to suit her style but anything that races back in the field always is in need of that.
While others went looking to get off the fence, like Rekindled Interest and King's Rose, Williams rolled the dice and took both their runs. It was sort of reminiscent of the Mahogany run in defeat as he beat them all bar the 3yo giving him 10.5kg in those days.
And sadly when Lion Tamer dropped out due to his injury, Pinker Pinker got up inside, the outside Jimmy Choux.
How often does it happen that you get there too fast and Jimmy possibly hit the front at a time which allowed the gap to be exposed for the winner.
Much like the Caulfield Cup, I doubt this Cox Plate will be remembered as an edition of the highest order.
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In another big tick for the race, the Geelong Cup looks the right play doesn't it. Considering you have to look at horses about 25-1 or worse to get an Aussie bloodline, why not stick with the French.
That race has produced so much form in the last decade. Media Puzzle ('02), She's Archie ('03), Zazzman ('04), On A Jeune ('05), Bauer ('08) and Crime Scene ('09) all came before another dual winner in Americain. It is hard to see Dunaden not being in the finish.
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The barrier controversy, played out too much fanfare in all forms of media last week, only served to take some of the air out of the space best used to promote what is great about her.
You all know the issue and nothing more can be added which hasn't already been said.
I guess we've become so accustomed to her winning her events that we need drama to generate some new angle in order to open the larynx or hit the keyboard.
I'd say we are now looking to another miniscule field in the Patinack Classic just looking at the latest acceptances.
Could it be that if Sepoy does win the Coolmore Stud Stks with authority as expected, and if it becomes plain there will only be say five opponents in the race, that Peter Snowden might recommend it wouldn't harm Sepoy in running.
At least we might get a contest.
Just finally wanted to say Sydney siders should be getting to Randwick on 5 November to see the 'old lady' before she gets a much needed makeover.
Calling it a Grandstand Finish, it is somewhat of a celebration for those of all ages.
With the $150 million racecourse transformation starting next month, there will be many memories rehashed and remembered.
With a good crowd expected, a civilised party is what is hoped for.
Randwick will be closed for some time, bar the odd meetings like the 2012 Autumn and Spring carnivals, for the work to be done. It is hoped all going well, that Royal Randwick will be right for the Autumn of 2013.
Having seen the on track facilities at places like Singapore, Hong Kong and Royal Ascot, it will be brilliant if Sydney's major racing attraction can sit safely alongside them for racing excellence.
Don't forget to keep reading our Melbourne Spring Carnival Mini Site where all the news and info about the big races is contained.
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Until next week,
Good Luck and Good Punting.
Gary
