Do you think so, Cyc? You certainly read a race better than I do, I thought it was an amazing performance. Tight track, bit like Chester in UK, five deep on the outside final bend with a short run-in, goddamn incredible by horse and jockey IMHO. No way I could have called him a winner "a fair way out"!!
Don't know about reading a race any better than anyone else Swanny. I think I really only had eyes for two horses in the race, The Cleaner and Adelaide. The Cleaner is at best, a bush battler who maybe some day can crack it for a G1 race. He'd want to be better ridden than he was in this race though. Arnold should not have pulled the pin with a thousand to go. He used too much fuel getting to the lead, then to take a run at it from so far out was madness. Saying that though, even if he'd been able to clear them easily and then get the ideal run and ride, he still would have been run over. Adelaide was clearly the best horse in the race. He came with a big wrap and was expected to take a hand in the finish. Moore said after the race that he knew a week or so back that if the horse got a clear run, he thought he'd win. They didn't want to settle where they did, but once there, Moore said all he wanted to do was get an uninterrupted run. When they slackened off just before The Cleaner took off, Moore said he took the opportunity to take some easy ground. This is when I started to sit up. The Valley is a course that can suit swoopers. Others have done what appeared to be impossible in this race. I couldn't possibly have known that the race was his for the taking, but I knew at the 600 he was the one to beat. The only moment that I started to doubt it was for a couple of strides on the corner. There was always the chance that something would steal a length as Lankan Rupee did the night before. Sure one is sprinting and the other staying, but the principle is the same. Sometimes a fast stayer can pinch it on the bend. Either way, it was a win to remember. I just got out of bed. It's 2:28 and I was starving.
Very impressive and what a tough 3-y-o Adelaide is. I believe that is the third continent and fifth country the horse has raced in this year. Great piece of placing and training by the forums second favourite handler.
Adelaide may be a better sire than Australia as he appears tougher. Both have good distaffs. Adelaide's is Mellon/Kingsclere blood, with the Sea Bird mare Elegant Tern tucked in there. On the same day that Elm Park shows he's a decent horse.
Good explanation, Cyc. Wasn't able to hear Mr.Gloomy himself after the race, but he did exactly the right thing to give Adelaide a trouble-free run. Again, terrific efforts by both horse and jockey, and, a great training performance too.
