My Thoughts Of The 2012 Emirates Melbourne Cup
Why not for my first blog post and preview why not do a preview of the Holy Grail of Australian racing. Over recent years there has been an influx of Northern Hemisphere runners whether they be overseas owned & trained, Australian owned & overseas trained or the new horses brought by Australian connections with the earliest international raider to win being Vintage Crop in 1992 trained by the Irish Master Dermot Weld who returns regularly and holds the highest success rate for visiting trainers with wins in 1992 &2002 and returns in 2012 with a horse with very similar career to that of 1992 winner Vintage Crop. Easily over the past years the quality of the European raiders has improved and bringing the quality of the race to a higher level each year and 2012 can arguably be The race that stops a nation so here it is:
1-Dunaden (34-10-9-7) Form (Last 5 Starts): 3326s1
Age/Breeding: 7 B H - Nicobar x La Marlia
Jockey: Craig Williams Trainer: Mikel Delzangles Barrier: 16 Weight: 59.0
The 2011 Winner of the Emirates Melbourne Cup, a very smart horse who always produces his best in Australia, Impressive winner of the Caulfield Cup over 2400m -similar to Viewed several years ago. Has to break modern weight carrying records with the 59kg impost but definitely has the quality and records are meant to be broken, as well as his quality should mean that 59kg should be very little problem. Carries an in-form jockey in Craig Williams who rode this horse in last years Geelong Cup and was booked to ride until a lowly Bendigo race saw the end to this through suspension but connections stayed loyal and when Dunaden went to the Hong Kong Cup booked Williams and led them to glory.
OVERALL: Definately one of the main chances, but personally looking towards others to win, surprised if not top 5
2-Americain (33-11-4-4) Form (Last 5 Starts): 326s64
Age/Breeding: 8 B H - Dynaformer x America
Jockey: Damien Oliver
Trainer: Alain de Royer Dupre
Barrier:12
Weight:58.0
The 2010 Winner of the Emirates Melbourne Cup, who returns for the 3rd year in a row with a third different campaign path for the cups (2010 Geelong Cup, 2011 Moonee Valley Cup, 2012 Caulfield Cup), another horse who always produces his best down under and has just about been competitive in every race he has competed in from those 2010 Geelong & Melbourne Cup Wins, to wins in the 2011 Moonee Valley Cup & Sandown Classic. Spent a period of time across the Australian autumn trained in Australia by David Hayes where he had been competitive and should've won the BMW at Rosehill and was a victim of an extremely poor ride by his regular rider Gerald Mosse who rode him in the 2010 & 2011 campaigns as well as the 2012 Caulfield Cup. Americain is a very smart horse and carried exactly the same weight as 2011 race and drawn a very similar gate (14 last year).
Looks to be trying to emulate the great Peter Pan by winning 2 cups in unconsecutive years.
Damien Oliver takes over from regular rider Gerald Mosse who was sacked by the owners, explanations have varied widely for the reason but personally is a smart move with Damien Oliver being a terrific jockey and currently in form with G1 wins in the 1000 guineas on Commanding Jewel and just on Saturday (3/11/12) on Fiveandahalfstar in the VRC derby.
OVERALL: Has to be respected and goes up a notch with Ollie aboard, big chance currently and with rain would easily be my top pick but even without still top 5 finish
3-Jakkalberry (25-10-2-3) Form (Last 5 Starts): 33s51s0
Age/Breeding: 7 B H - Storming Home x Claba Di San Jore
Jockey: Colm O'Donoghue
Trainer: Marco Botti
Barrier:19
Weight:55.5
What does one make of a horse like Jakkalberry? Came to Australia under the ownership of Darren Danz and the Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock team. Had much media hype about he was a horse to be reckoned with and his form was good. He is a G1 winner in Italy back in 2010 and has had good form across his lead up races over the past 12-18 months in 5 different countries and when racing at Caulfield he race in his 6th country. His last run before coming to Australia was a nice win in what was not the strongest American St Leger and had previous form around Cirrus Des Aigles in Dubai and ran in the Hardwicke Stakes behind Red Cadeaux and Dunaden but did beat My Quest For Peace as well as back in September 2011 beat home Voila Ici. His lead up run in the Caulfield Cup was only fair and didn't do much over the 2400m. Hasn't been over the 3200m trip but has won over 2700m in the American St Leger plus a 3rd placing in a 2810m G3 in Dubai.
OVERALL: Has shown in the past that he is a very good horse but has recent travelling caught up with him is a big question. Caulfield Cup run was poor but was trapped wide, 2nd up should be a much improved performance but happy to say No, 10th-15th finish
4-Red Cadeaux (30-6-8-5) Form (Last 5 Starts): 21233s
Age/Breeding: 7 Ch G - Cadeaux Genereux x Artisia
Jockey: Michael Rodd
Trainer: Ed Dunlop
Barrier:18
Weight:55.5
Red Cadeaux another of the class of 2011 who returns hoping to go one better after going as close as possible to beating Dunaden. Leading up to last year's cup there was a few concerns of running out the 3200m at this level even though had a 2nd over 3600m, comes over to Australia with very consistent form since September 2011 where he has not finished outside the top 3 but only 1 win out of these 8 starts. Came to the Melbourne Cup in 2011 with a 7 week break after the Irish St Leger but this year comes here fresh after a 17 week break where he ran 3rd in the Goldsmiths Stakes where he was beaten home by Fiorente but by many international experts said that he should have finished closer after what was considered by many a poor ride by his rider that day Tom McLaughlin. He should finish ahead of Fiorente given that run. As mentioned in the comment for Jakkalberry ran in the Hardwicke stakes and ran 3rd to the winner Sea Moon but finished just 3/4L behind Dunaden and does have a 2.5kg weight turn around from that run and has overall from last years Cup has 2.5kg on Dunaden after carrying 54.5kg (Dunaden) & 53.5kg (Red Cadeaux).
OVERALL: Has shown excellent consistency and work at Werribee has been good by reports personally 17 weeks off into the cup is a concern but these European stayers can run 2400m+ at a drop of a hat. Definitely another of the main chances and thinking he could beat Dunaden home- Top 5
5-Winchester (29-6-6-3) Form (Last 5 Starts): 3s9996
Age/Breeding: 8 B H - Theatrical x Rum Charger
Jockey: Jamie Mott
Trainer: John Sadler
Barrier:22
Weight:55.5
Another horse that baffles me for this years great race, another who came to Australia with much hype and fanfare this time from America where he has been a multiple Group 1 winner and was brought to Australia by Anthony Mithen and Rosemont stud and personally he has been average in his runs to the Cup. His run on Saturday in the Mackinnon Stakes was good only finishing 2.8L behind Alcopop but his runs previously have been fair where he has gotten back and has hit the line fairly but was mainly beating tiring ones, admittedly his barriers have dictated him getting back and once again drawing wide may end up resulting in Jamie Mott having to go right back. A former Dermot Weld horse then American trained and now in Australia, he's only been to 2400m and been consistent at the distance and this is first run past it. Personally I doubt whether he can stay 3200m though there are others who believe that he may be able to.
OVERALL: He likes to run on from the back but as an 8yo stallion he is getting on in years and the fact that he is still with the back horses shows that maybe hes happy with that and had enough? Putting him into the no category and place would be his very best, for me 15th-20th
6-Voila Ici (32-13-6-5) Form (Last 5 Starts):3s6240
Age/Breeding: 8 Gr H - Daylami x Far Hope
Jockey: Vlad Duric
Trainer: Peter G Moody
Barrier:13
Weight:55
Another European horse who comes under Australian ownership and training this time under Peter Moody's care. Voila Ici is a Group 1 winner in Italy and his Australian preparation was good coming through Memsie, Underwood & Turnbull stakes, and has been rolling out in front has been strong until an ultra poor run in the Caulfield Cup has many concerned that he may have passed his peak for this preparation, even though after the race Vlad Duric reported that he may have felt the firm track which is a concern given the likelihood of a firm track. His form in Italy has was good but has not been over 3200m which also is a concern. Is likely to rate highly with the once a year punters with a classy name and the silver nature of his coat will
OVERALL: Was travelling well throughout the campaign, but a poor Caulfield Cup run. Needs a wet track to be any winning chance - Place Chance, for me 10th-15th
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Age/Breeding: 7 b H - Hailing x Silversword
Jockey: Frankie Dettori
Trainer: Saeed Bin Suroor
Barrier:6
Weight:54
Definately on that could become the fairytale story of the 2012 cup with master Italian jockey Frankie Dettori in his 11th Melbourne Cup ride and what a story it would be to end his 18 year reign as Godolphins main rider with that ever elusive Emirates Melbourne Cup. Coming from the mighty Godolphin stable this horse is guaranteed to be right to his ultimate peak and definitely will be fit enough. His recent form has been consistent and is well waited and drops 6kg from his last run in the Rose Bowl at Newmarket. This horse has been in the best races throughout his career including a 3rd placing in the 2009 Arc Du Triomphe behind Sea The Stars. He's a horse that will run out the 3200m having won over 3270m 3 starts back at Sandown (UK).
OVERALL: Definitely one of the best chances Godolphin has had for the cup and that he is guaranteed to run 3200m, Flying under the radar with the likes of Americain & Dunaden and I think he is a definite winning hope, top 5 for me.
8-Mount Athos(20-7-0-1) Form (Last 5 Starts):84s111s
Age/Breeding: 6 B G - Montjeu x Ionian Sea
Jockey: Ryan Moore
Trainer: Luca Cumani
Barrier:8
Weight:54
A horse that has comes to Australia from the Luca Cumani stable, Cumani a regular visitor with stayers such as Bauer and Manighar, has brought this horse to Australia with an unusual preparation by Cumani standards having not run since August, He is definately the emerging star of the European staying ranks, has reportedly been working the house down at Werribee and is well weighted and drops 9.5kg from his win in the Silver cup two starts back and has a combined winning margin of 9.6L.
OVERALL: A nice horse that is in good form, has been competitive over 3600m and has flown under the radar and personally is an outsider to win but a placing is the strongest finish for me, 5th to 10th finish in my opinion.
9-Sanagas(15-7-1-0) Form (Last 5 Starts):6s0060
Age/Breeding: 7 B G - Lomitas x Scota
Jockey: Nicholas Hall
Trainer: Bart Cummings
Barrier:4
Weight:54
Another horse imported for the cup and this time for cups king Bart Cummings, form has been ordinary since coming to Australia and has used 4 runs this campaign although the first 3 have been at Weight For Age they have been poor and his Caulfield Cup run was average. Started life in Germany and then went to the United States and now Australia, he has seen the world. A G1 winner at Hollywood in the USA, the horse has never been over the 3200m but has won over 2600m and is trained by the Cup Kings so can't rule out.
OVERALL: Runs in Australia have been just fair, wasn't disgraced in the Caulfield Cup but does need to improve a fair bit, personally thinking that the is a top 10 chance at best. 15th to 20th
10-Ethiopia (7-1-1-2) Form (Last 5 Starts):21s764Age/Breeding: 4 B G - Helenus x Shona
Jockey: Rhys McLeod
Trainer: Pat Carey
Barrier:14
Weight:53.5
Not very often does a horse break their maiden status in a Group 1 but Ethiopia is an exception to the fact in many different ways: a)Rarely a horse comes into a modern Melbourne Cup with just 1 win,
b) Rarely does a horse come to the Melbourne Cup after 8 Starts.
He's form has been good and has shown that anything 2400m and longer is the ideal distance, with his only win being the G1 AJC Derby over 2400m, and in fact started his career over 1700m at Sale and has only been as short as 1600m (1st Up this prep in Feehan Stks). His preparation has not been that of a Melbourne Cup campaigner with a campaign that is almost identical to that of a horse going to the Cox Plate where he did have his last run over 2040m where he was a very good 4th when ridden upside down.
OVERALL: Definately best of Australian bred runners, and the 3200m looks to suit him and though there is a concern that this has come around quickly, you can be sure that he will be strong at the end. Definate winning hope and my top pick - Top 5
11-Fiorente (9-2-3-0) Form (Last 5 Starts):6261s4Age/Breeding: 5 Br H - Monsun x Desert Bloom
Jockey: James McDonald
Trainer: Gai Waterhouse
Barrier:2
Weight:53.5
Fiorente a late charge to the Melbourne Cup Campaign, after reportedly being bought for a very large sum of money by Gai Waterhouse. Was trained by Sir Michael Stoute before coming to Australia. Is still only lightly and has some good form around him including a win the Goldsmiths-G2 at Newmarket beating Joshua Tree and Red Cadeaux although had a better run/ride than what Red Cadeaux had, Was a tad disappointing in that last run at Longchamp in the Prix Foy over 2400m. Fiorente is yet to see a 3200m only racing as far as 2400m but in these runs as form around several cup runners in Dunaden, Red Cadeaux, Jakkalberry & My Quest For Peace in the Hardwicke Stakes and was safely held behind both Dunaden & Red Cadeaux.
OVERALL: Looks to be a very nice horse, have a few concerns that this has come around too soon for him and that would be alot better next year after a set campaign and having the Waterhouse polish on him. Thinking that the abrupted campaign and the risk of not running out the 3200m trip is a big thing to me and thinking he would be a place only chance, 15th-20th for me.
12-Galileo's Choice (16-8-4-1) Form (Last 5 Starts):2s17s11sAge/Breeding: 7 B G - Galileo x Sevi's Choice
Jockey: Patrick Smullen
Trainer: Dermot Weld
Barrier:11
Weight:53.5
Irish trainer Dermot Weld returns once again to try and win his 3rd Melbourne Cup and brings a horse who has a similar lead up form to that of his first winner in 1992 Vintage Crop. Galileo's choice comes to Australia off two wins over 2800m & 2400m in Ireland and before that was going around in Hurdle races in Ireland. With 53.5kg the horse won't know himself with this being his lightest weight of his career and in recent starts has carried up to 75kg. Not sure if the form around him is all that strong but the prospect off a rock hard track lowers his chance alot with best form coming on tracks with give in them.
OVERALL: The prospect of a dry track rings big in assessing his cup chances, I think he would need a wet track to even feature in top considerations and therefore I think it would be a monumental shock if he won, but a placing wouldnt be much of a surprise given Dermot Weld's record
13-Glencadam Gold (14-7-2-1) Form (Last 5 Starts):11110Age/Breeding: 7 B G - Refuse To Bend x Sandrella
Jockey: Tommy Berry
Trainer: Gai Waterhouse
Barrier:7
Weight:53.5
Came to Australia under big wraps from his trainer Gai Waterhouse and won at his first start by 0.1L over Brian's Honour and looked nothing like a Melbourne Cup or G1 contender at that one run but improved significantly to win his next three starts including the Group 1 Metropolitan over 2400m but was poor in the Caulfield Cup. Tommy Berry going back aboard is a positive but not sure if he is going well enough to win a Melbourne Cup.
OVERALL: He is a horse that I like very much and I think Tommy Berry going back on and not having to use as much energy crossing from a wide gate for the pace and the likelihood of not much pace goes in his favour are all positives but happy to say that he would be a place chance at best - 5th to 10th
14-Green Moon(19-6-3-0) Form (Last 5 Starts):1s5217Age/Breeding: 6 B H - Montjeu x Green Noon
Jockey: Brett Prebble
Trainer: Robert Hickmott
Barrier:5
Weight:53.5
The favourite for this race last year before a poor run in the Lexus. Did run 2nd last year in the Caulfield Cup and won the Newcastle Cup before that. Comes through a campaign that resembled that of one for Cox Plate contention and started favourite in the Cox Plate but looked to be beaten a long way and was struggling a long way out. Connections state the horse has improved and is aimed for the cup. The runs he comes through does not show the best of form ahead of him although he did win a Group 1 over 2000m 2 starts ago.
OVERALL: Concerned with the fact that he was a beaten horse a long way out in the Cox Plate and the fact that main have been the aim is a concern, Brett Prebble is a positive and has a decent record when here for the cup especially with Lloyd Williams horses. Placing best hope but thinking a 15th to 20th finish for me.
15-Maluckyday(17-5-3-2) Form (Last 5 Starts):8s8025
Age/Breeding: 6 B or Br G - Zabeel x Natalie Wood
Jockey: Jim Cassidy
Trainer: Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes
Barrier:9
Weight:53.5
An Owner & Jockey combination that has tasted success in the past for the Melbourne Cup with that being Might And Power. What a fairytale story it would be if Maluckyday could win the 2012 Melbourne Cup after nearly dying after a serious injury and a bout of illness, but the horse has resumed back in magnificent order. The 2010 cup runner up has progressed well through his campaign and was a good run in the Geelong Cup where the leaders saw the Snails fly past them, he got back and it was an excellent run. The other fairytale would be for his trainers with the father son team of Michael & Wayne Hawkes teaming up with their hall of fame trainer father John Hawkes.
OVERALL: His preparation has been quite good but in last two had a bit against him, and the fact that he has been primed for this race and should show his best in the cup.
Personally think hes a place chance, can win but would surprise 5th-10th
16-Mourayan(32-4-8-5) Form (Last 5 Starts):3s9s241Age/Breeding: 7 B or Br H - Alhaarth x Mouramara
Jockey: Hugh Bowman
Trainer: Robert Hickmott
Barrier:3
Weight:53.5
The second of the team Williams horses and personally the better of the two runners*, Another that has had an unusal preparation with all 3 runs this campaign being either 1600m first up and 2 subsequent runs over 2000m in Group 3 races at Royal Randwick are not traditional cup lead ups but he did win his last run exactly a month before the cup in the Craven Plate and before that ran 2nd in the Hill Stakes at G2 level. He was a scratching in the 2011 Melbourne Cup and does have 0.9L third to Americain in last years Sandown Classic. The break between runs and the fact he hasn't run beyond 2000m this campaign are concerns, but being kept fresh for this is a positive.
OVERALL: Is in form of sorts the short lead up runs is a concern but have to respect with Hugh Bowman aboard at the 53.5kg, thinking he is a place chance at best, Win Would surprise, 10th-15th
17-My Quest For Peace (12-5-1-2) Form (Last 5 Starts):40115Age/Breeding: 5 B H - Galileo x Play Misty For Me
Jockey: Corey Brown
Trainer: Luca Cumani
Barrier:1
Weight:53.5
The second of Luca Cumani's runners in this years cup and another who has form through the Hardwicke Stakes (Dunaden, Red Cadeaux, Jakkalberry & Fiorente, he ran a disappointing 10th in that event but after a short let up bounced back to form in the Glorious Stakes & March Stakes. Came to Australia and was surrounded by controversy when his booked rider for the campaign Damien Oliver was sacked and was replaced by Corey Brown who has connection to these colours, owners and trainer when running a very close second on Bauer and won the 2009 Melbourne Cup on Shocking. My Quest For Peace is another runner that will race over 3200m for the first time with his max race distance being 2800mtt
OVERALL: Another strong campaigner from OTI racing, his Caulfield Cup Run was sound where he finished 5th, He will plug away across the finish but I think hes recent lack of a turn of foot will cost him. Place Chance - 5th to 10th.
18-Niwot (32-9-4-1) Form (Last 5 Starts):1s0080Age/Breeding: 8 B G - Galileo x Too Darn Hot
Jockey: Dwayne Dunn
Trainer: Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes
Barrier:15
Weight:53.5
Another of the class of 2011 who returns for a second tilt at Melbourne Cup glory and last year was the first Australian runner home, The second of the team Hawkes runners and the second stringer to this years campaign. If you told people at the start of 2011 that in 2012 Niwot would be running in his second Melbourne Cup then you would be laughed at but here he is and has a decent record over 3200m with wins at Flemington in the Andrew Ramsden Stakes and in the Group 1 Sydney Cup.
His form this preparation has been ordinary although was in a terrible mood in the lead up to the Caulfield Cup, has had only one top 10 finish in his 3 runs this preparation and needs to improve sharply.
OVERALL: Ran 8th last year and this with his formlines can't seeing him finishing in the order and overall would think he is an outside chance to place. 15th to 20th
19-Tac De Boistron (27-5-2-2) Form (Last 5 Starts):3521s6
Age/Breeding: 6 Gr G - Take Risks x Pondiki
Jockey: Olivier Doleuze
Trainer: Michael Kent
Barrier:21
Weight:53.5
First of two Michael Kent runners, with Tac De Boistron coming from France and coming through the Geelong Cup where he got back and stayed back and did absolutely nothingt. His form in France has been ok and his better form has been on wet tracks. The races he's cme through have been nothing spectacular but can run over the 3200m. His Geelong Cup run was ordinary and he did absolutely nothing for me personally in that run and his lead up form doesn't make me understand why he is here in the Cup when there are better horses who have missed out.
OVERALL: Another import that is now trained in Australia and unlike the others form is ordinary, the best chance for him would be on a Heavy 10 track which is 99.99% unlikely and even on the heavy 10 I think a place would surprise - 20th to 24th.
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Jockey: Luke Nolen
Trainer: Peter G Moody
Barrier:17
Weight:53
The second and more preferred of Peter Moody's runners and the only mare in the field. Her recent form had been mixed with poor runs in her first 2 runs at Warwick Farm and then back to what we know she is capable of in the Hill Stakes and Caulfield Cup.
She is a multiple big race winner with 4 of her 6 wins being at either Group 1 or 2 level and is ultra consistent when she finds her form.
OVERALL: Undefeated in 4 three year old runs, the wins have dried up since with both other wins coming in Brisbane both at Eagle Farm in the Group 2 Eagle Farm Cup & the Group 2 Brisbane Cup. Her Caulfield Cup run was good and being by Zabeel the staying power is there, An outside chance of a win, top 5 for me.
21-Precedence (44-7-5-1) Form (Last 5 Starts):41064Age/Breeding: 7 B G - Zabeel x Kowtow
Jockey: Blake Shinn
Trainer: Bart Cummings
Barrier:20
Weight:53
Another one of the class of 2011 to return for another Melbourne Cup - which infact is his 3rd Melbourne Cup run after finishing 9 of 23 in 2010 and 11 of 23 in 2011, His lead up form into this years cup has been mixed with fair efforts over his last 3 starts and before that won a Moonee Valley 1600m Open Handicap with 60.5kg. He's 2 previous cup runs have been quite good especially last years with Darren Beadmen aboard where he raced against his normal pattern and sat 2nd pulling quite hard. Although trained by the cups king, still concerned that he may not be able to run out a strong 3200m. He does have a Melbourne cup winning combo in the Dato Tan Chin Nam silks with his rider Blake Shinn teaming up with Bart Cummings to win the 2008 Melbourne Cup.
OVERALL: His form coming into the cup hasn't been good enough and in his 4 runs over 3200m has been unplaced in each. Happy to say not a winning chance nor place chance but with Bart Cummings never leave anything out. 15th to 20th
22-Unusual Suspect (44-7-5-1) Form (Last 5 Starts):8s9005Age/Breeding: 9 Br or Bl H - Unusual Heat x Penpot
Jockey: Glyn Schofield
Trainer: Michael Kent
Barrier:23
Weight:53
Another member of the class of 2011 who returns in 2012. The greybeard of the field at aged 9 and another whos past his prime, showed some very good form in his American days but that seems a while ago now, his runs this preparation have been poor and his campaign between last spring and this spring was ordinary with spending the autumn in Dubai where his best finish was 6 of 16 over 2000m at Meydan on the turf. His efforts in last years Melbourne Cup was good coming from the back but hasn't shown anything like that through his formline this spring
(Heatherlie-LR, Naturalism-G3, Cranbourne Cup-LR, Moonee Valley Cup-G2).
OVERALL: Form has been poor, not much else can say about him, making up the numbers of the cup and his spot could've been used for a better candidate. 20th to 24th for mind.
23-Zabeelionaire (17-3-1-0) Form (Last 5 Starts):97065Age/Breeding: 4 B H - Zabeel x Kisumu
Jockey: Craig Newitt
Trainer: Leon Corstens
Barrier:24
Weight:52
One of 2012 Autumn Derby winners in the field with the other being Ethiopia (AJC Derby), In may Zabeelionaire won the SA Derby over 2400m strongly and throughout his early career showed plenty of potential and his form has been good through unsuitable races. Had a nice run to open the lungs on Saturday in the Mackinnon Stks and previous run before that had a good run in the Caulfield Cup finishing 2.8L 6th and is looking like a 3200m trip would suit him well.
The dam of Zabeelionaire was raced under the same owners and trainer as other 4yo rival Ethiopia and was sold by Wyadup Valley Farm (Owners Of Ethiopia)
OVERALL: Had a nice run in the Caulfield Cup and still a horse developing and in 12 months time would be a better horse and expect an improved showing. An Outside chance of a win a massive place chance 5th to 10th.
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Age/Breeding: 5 B G - Refuse To Bend x Orinocco
Jockey: Glen Boss
Trainer: Chris Waller
Barrier:10
Weight:51
A very consistent horse that has been in the first 4 in 17 of 18 his starts with the only out being his first start in England. He is a british import but only had 2 starts before coming to Australia. Most of his racing in Sydney have been in Benchmark races and in September took the leap to Group & Listed level with a win the Group 3 Colin Stephen Quality. His previous runs were good and comes into the race after winning the Lexus Stakes on Saturday (3/11/12) and has the most inform jockey in the country with Glen Boss. Although his Lexus win was strong, the best runs came from others who didn't qualify for the cup.
OVERALL: Was a nice winner in the Lexus Stakes-G3 and form to that in the Cups has been strong however not sure that it was the strongest version this year around. A Place hope and 5th to 10th.
MY TOP 5
10-Ethiopia2-Americain
3-Red Cadeaux
7-Cavalryman
20-Lights Of Heaven
