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Historical Analysis of the Coolmore Classic
While the Coolmore Classic was for many years the only G1 event for the F&M, it still attracts the Autumn mares championship.
There has been the addition of the Myer Classic, Queen of the Turf, Tatts Tiara and Sangster Stks but the one difference the Coolmore has is that it is the only handicap.
Two trainers have dominated the race - Gai Waterhouse and the amazing record of Max Lees who won it 5 times from Newcastle. Check out the original ladies race.
PROFILING THE RACE
o Barriers have become of less importance.
o The 3yo fillies have held their own winning 8 of the last 22. Of the older mares in recent seasons, only Sunline has won post her 5yo year before Alverta, Steps In Time and Plucky Belle.
o An absolute blow out for the favourites. Apart from the great Sunline, there’s barely a primary elect in sight.
o Gai Waterhouse has won this race 4 times and needs one to emulate Max Lees five winners (Shindig/Chlorophyll/Flitter/Quicksilver Cindy/Satin Sand).
o Last 10 Winners Most Prevalent Age of winner - 4yo/6yo (3 times)
o Last 10 Winners Average Weight of winner - 54.0kg
o Last 10 Winners Average Price of winner - $11.50
o Breakdown of winners - 3 fillies & 7 mares
o Races that the winner ran in prior - Surround Stks (2), Frances Tressady (2), Queen Of The Turf (1), Wenona Girl (1), Wiggle Stks (1), Liverpool City Cup (1), Breeders Stks (1), Millie Fox Stks (1)
RECENT WINNERS
2015 - PLUCKY BELLE 6m (Mossman x Winning Belle) ($16)
Jockey: Linda Meech, Trainer: Peter MoodyBarrier: 8, Weight: 53.0kg, Gross Time: 1:29.38
Margin: 0.1L, Track: Good (4), Starters: 132nd: First Seal (55.5kg), 3rd: Diamond Drille (56.0kg)
Review: This race was more about an honest mare and strong willed rider who does so much hard work for the Moody yard. In the short favourite First Seal, she was quite unlucky carrying weight and tracking wide all the way with nothing carting her into the race.
But the Mossman mare surged through the field and was every bit her namesake as she showed some pluck to nail the punter’s elect on the line.
Meech had been a long and loyal servant of the Moody stable and finally got her G1 recognition.
2014 - STEPS IN TIME 6m (Danehill Dancer x Rare Insight) ($8)
Jockey: Jim Cassidy, Trainer: Joe PrideBarrier: 7, Weight: 57.0kg, Gross Time: 1:28.75
Margin: 0.1L, Track: Good (3), Starters: 162nd: Sweet Idea (57.0kg), 3rd: Catkins (58.0kg)
Review: For John O’Shea, Steps In Time had run 8th and 4th in the last two Coolmores but with his move to Darley, the owners sent her to Joe Pride. She was brave but just run down in the Breeders and he gave her a hard trial, sending her into this 1500m race second up.
This was all about Cassidy’s ride as he pulled their paints down. Rolling forward, he stayed wide until the first turn. Carving down he held her together then took off 600m out. It got all those chasing off the bit and she travelled around the turn five in front.
But the effort told and she got tired. Sweet Idea, who’d done all the chasing, kept coming and missed by a nose. Pride was very ebullient after the race saying he ‘put his balls on the line’ by running second up but it worked out well.
2013 - APPEARANCE 4m (Commands x Disguise) ($11)
Jockey: Blake Shinn, Trainer: Guy WalterBarrier: 2, Weight: 55.0kg, Gross Time: 1:28.38
Margin: 0.1L, Track: Good, Starters: 142nd: Red Tracer (57.5kg), 3rd: Norzita (54.5kg)
Review: Appearance set a record in winning the Coolmore this day. No horse had won the Myer Classic in the same season (NSW and VIC’s biggest mare races). And while there was ½ a length to spare at Flemington, there was nothing like it at Rosehill.
She landed just off a strong pace set by Steps In Time and Driefontein. But with the track playing off the fence, she needed a run so pushed out around the bend. Having to come five deep was not a problem and with 100m to go anyone could win.
Red Tracer looked the one, then Norzita flew late out wide but Appearance poked her head through to score by a pimple.