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Key pointers from the stewards’ reports from the Cox Plate meeting at Moonee Valley on Saturday, October 28.
Jawwaal (Race 1): The Hayes-Dabernig yard has made a terrific start to the season in the juvenile ranks and many punters were hoping they could continue the trend with Jawwaal. That didn’t eventuate with well-related colt finishing sixth but there were excuses as he was found to be lame in the near foreleg after the race. Jockey Regan Bayliss also reported his mount was immature and would benefit from the run so he could be one to keep in mind when he gains maturity.
Jorda (Race 4): The Godolphin filly hasn’t had a lot go to plan this spring and the trend continued on Saturday. Jorda was second pick in the market behind her stablemate Demerara and was settled back in the field but the tail-end of the race didn’t pan out as hoped for her backers with the filly held up from the 200m and never gaining a clear run. Jockey Hugh Bowman said that given the strong pace he didn’t believe his filly would be able to sustain a run around the field and instead decided to look for runs between horses but the filly went to the line untested.
Big Duke (Race 6): The import was an odds on favourite to win on his way to the Melbourne Cup and while he was unable to finish in the placings, the Moonee Valley track may have been a contributing factor. Jockey Brenton Avdulla said Big Duke hung out making the turns and was also unable to improve his position from the 500m when racing in restricted room. Importantly for his Cup preparations, Big Duke was cleared of any veterinary issues and could bounce back to form on a roomier circuit.
Royal Symphony (Race 9): The lone three-year-old didn’t have the happiest experience in the Cox Plate. Stewards reported the colt was heavily bumped and lost its rightful running after being taken in by Happy Clapper between the 100m and the winning post on the first occasion in an incident that saw rival hoop Damien Oliver suspended. Royal Symphony was twice steadied later in the race before becoming unbalanced and faltering in his stride near the 700m. Under the circumstances the colt produced a fine performance to run fourth and looks a contender at the top level next autumn.