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Historical Analysis of the Kingsford-Smith Cup
Given G1 status a few years back now, this sprint was the lead up to the Doomben 10000. Originally over 1200m, it was won by several high quality sprinters and some regular Doomben heroes like Falvelon, Chief de Beers and Buck’s Pride.
Then of course we saw Black Caviar vs Hay List. It has been won recently by interstate visitors so will the trend continue, albeit Albert The Fat got in the road. The race swapped with the 10000 and is now over longer.
PROFILING THE RACE
o Race became G1 in 2006 and it has attracted a better grade of horse.
o Was switched to Eagle Farm in 2013 to try and attract Black Caviar. Didn’t work then.
o Became the Kingsford Smith Cup run at Eagle Farm in between the new 10000 and Stradbroke from 2017.
o Smallish fields have meant barriers are as important but it’s always good to draw inside in a G1 at Doomben.
o Apache Cat broke a string of beaten favs but besides Caviar, outsiders have been prevalent.
o Interstate jockeys and trainers have taken most of the spoils recently.
o Last 10 Winners Most Prevalent Age of winner - 3/4/5yo (3 times)
o Last 10 Winners Average Price of winner - $12
o Breakdown of winners - 5 geldings, 1 entire, 2 colts, 1 filly & 1 mare
o Races that the winner ran in prior - TJ Smith Stks (1), The Galaxy (1), Surround Stks (1), Victory Stks (2), All Aged Stks (1), Spell (1), Star Kingdom Stks (1), Luskin Star Stks (1), Doomben 10,000 (1).
RECENT WINNERS
Barrier: 7, Weight: 59.0kg, Gross Time: 1:19.51
Margin: 0.1L, Track: Soft (6), Starters: 92nd: Le Romain (59.0kg), 3rd: Champagne Cuddles (55.0kg)
Review: On a day at Doomben where some rain caused the meeting to be delayed by 90 minutes and the rail moved out, they got through but only just. Impending had had a great run of form and showed a love of Doomben.
When the pace came out of the race, they shuffled up but Damian Browne didn’t panic. Le Romain had a good run and gave a kick but the Godolphin entire picked up late and just got him down on the line.
Barrier: 8, Weight: 59.0kg, Gross Time: 1:19.09
Margin: 3L, Track: Heavy (8), Starters: 132nd: Jungle Edge (59.0kg), 3rd: Counterattack (59.0kg)
Review: When Greg Bennett gave up training to become director of racehorse development at Aquis Farm, the hardest horse he had to leave was Clearly Innocent. The former Country Championship winner hadn’t shown the form since that win until last run in the Luskin Star.
He did like testing ground and boy was it this day at Eagle Farm. Even without rain the surface was heavy. With good speed on Jungle Edge went for home early and the rest struggled.
However Bowman emerged him from the pack and Clearly Innocent roared over the top becoming Stradbroke favourite in an instant. It continued Kris Lees’ great run of form.
2016 - MALAGUERRA 4g (Magnus x Tennessee Morn) ($7)
Jockey: Glen Colless, Trainer: Lee & Anthony FreedmanBarrier: 8, Weight: 58.5kg, Gross Time: 1:08.73
Margin: 0.1L, Track: Good (3), Starters: 132nd: Dothraki (58.5kg), 3rd: Japonisme (57.0kg)
Review: It had been a long time between drinks for the Freedmans in winning G1s. With Lee back in the training fold, in Malaguerra they had found a promising sprinter who had won twice during the Flemington carnival.
He was tested in the All Aged but that was too tough. However the BTC Cup was a level below that. He sat outside the speed and looked ready to be swallowed up by Dothraki.
However with the back markers not in it, he fought back and held on by a nose. There were some unlucky horses like Delectation and Artlee lost the rider after the line.
