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| Editor: Elliot Dean | | Writer: Marcus Walta | | Writer: Janet Bastow | | Photographer: Matthew Smith | |
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El Segundo's Cox Redemption |
El Segundo's Cox Redemption
By Elliot Dean
Twelve months ago, trainer Colin Little's hopes of Cox Plate glory were dashed by a nose, thanks to Fields of Omagh's fairytale finale. But on Saturday at Moonee Valley, there was no chance of disappointment, with star runner El Segundo storming home in Australia's hottest Weight For Age race to win by 2 lengths.
Wonderful World took the lead rounding the home turn, and for a brief moment looked as if he could give trainer Bart Cummings an unlikely victory, but this was soon put to rest as El Segundo swept past him in the straight. Wonderful World held on for second place, while Haradasun was a gallant third after leading for most of the race.
Miss Finland got a lovely run, and came into the race at the right time but couldn't keep up with them. She finished fourth and will likely head to the Melbourne Cup. Mark Kavanagh's two chances, Devil Moon and Divine Madonna, were back in fifth and seventh places respectively.
El Segundo's jockey Luke Nolen was ecstatic after the race, but gave most of the credit to the super six year old. "I knew we had the race won at the 1600 (metres)," Nolen said. "I was in the right spot and he was travelling well. Every bloke in the (jockeys') room could have won on that horse." Little may now run him in the Mackinnon Stakes next Saturday, but will more likely give him a rest, with overseas aspirations in the mix for next year.
In the other big race of the day, champion sprinters Gold Edition and Miss Andretti battled it out for their "grand final" in the Group 2 Schweppes Stakes. Gold Edition led in the early stages of the 1200 metre race, and when Miss Andretti went up alongside her at the 400, the Moonee Valley crowd roared in a nticipation of a classic finish. Gold Edition battled gamely, but it was the Lee Freedman trained mare who got the edge yet again, securing her tag as a true sprint champion.
In the Cathay Pacific Airways Cup, Gallic helped make up for owner Lloyd William's disappointment in the Cox Plate with a strong victory that elevates him into the Melbourne Cup field. Despite being wide most of the trip, the top weight proved far too strong defeating Laser Sharp and Sarrera. Gallic will attempt to be the first horse ever to win the Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne Cups all in the same season.
Sonic Quest put himself into the market for the Emirate Stakes with a convincing win in the Jayco Crystal Mile. Despite a number of set backs over the last couple of years, the Freedman trained galloper showed her true colours on Saturday, rounding up the other horses with ease and winning by a dominating 4 lengths.
Marching is now the Victoria Derby favourite after another impressive win, comfortably winning the Group 2 AAMI Vase, ahead of Kibbutz. Previous Derby favourite Barbaricus held on for third, and is still well in contention for the $1.5 million race next weekend.
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