Instead of the usual Weekend Wrap-up, we may look at the carnival as a whole and go over some of the best races and rides etc that deserve recognition (in my opinion)
The Springs best races:
The Caulfield Guineas 1600m: This was just a super head to head race between two star 3 year olds in MANAWANUI and HELMET. They set a record time and HELMET did all the work in front and did a great job to hold off MANAWANUI in a photo. SMART MISSILE was spruiked but couldn’t get warm to the other two.
The Melbourne Cup 3200m: ‘The race that stops a nation’ lived up to the billing again and we got to see the closest finish of all time.. 3mm separated the first two over the line and France won the cup again, this time with DUNADEN. Some terrific runs in the race and none better than the defending champ AMERICAIN who finished fourth but with a better ride could have nearly won.
The Stock Stakes 1600m: This is about the best form race in the last decade! The stats to come out of it were outstanding. KING’S ROSE and PINKER PINKER who ran the quinella had enormous springs, as did many who finished a long way behind them.
The Stars to emerge:
ATLANTIC JEWEL: An out and out superstar! Could be the best filly since Sunline.. And although she has a long way to go, she may surpass that great mare if she stays sound!
SEPOY: Stood up from two year old and proved himself as our best sprinter behind Black Caviar.
Highlight:
BLACK CAVIAR! Just a thrill to watch her do her thing.
THE MELBOURNE CUP delivered in spades! This race has changed forever.
The Best Rides:
Craig Williams– PINKER PINKER: Simply one of the best rides you will ever see win the cox plate! He was patient, and yes he was a touch lucky, but overall it was superb!
Christophe Lemire– DUNADEN: Got the horse in a great spot, got a track into it on Lucas Cranach’s back and waited to go at the perfect time. Difference between winning or losing the $6,000,000 race!
The Queenslander’s:
FACILE TIGRE + TEMPLE OF BOOM + WOORIM won 2 races each over the carnival, (have I forgotten any?) but the best run should probably go to the little bulldog BUFFERING for his great 2nd to Black Caviar on Saturday in the group 1.
The Let Down:
SMART MISSILE: May come out over the sprint trips and win some big races next prep, but his Melbourne runs were avg.
The Controversy:
MOURAYAN: After the vets ordered each of the top 35 horses in the order of entry to the cup to pass fitness tests to make the race, Mourayan throws a shoe and is lame late Saturday, however they say ‘ok’ and is scratched Cup morning meaning another horse misses out??
Overall a really good carnival again and I hope all the punters may have come away with a win. The only problem is that the cup is now 51 weeks away!!
