Guillotine
September 14th 2008 01:23
The Moonee Valley Racing Club is eager to have the Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes elevated from its current Group Two status, to the more logical level of Group One.
(photo: Phil Hyland)
Previously I wrote about the 2007 Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes in the light of the retirement of Cinque Cento, with reference to the quality of the field - and most importantly the progression of the featured runners (first, second and fourth) who would all subsequently win Group One events, including the two Melbourne Spring features of the WS Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup (El Segundo and Efficient).
If we go back to the Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes of 2006 we find Lad Of The Manor (his second consecutive success in this race) defeating Apache Cat in a small field of seven - but his first victory in 2005 saw him inflict (the rarest of events) a defeat for Makybe Diva, a race which saw multiple Cox Plate winner Fields Of Omagh into 3rd place, with El Segundo 4th. This was the first time that this race was run under its current title. It has formerly known as the JF Feehan Stakes from 1949-1955, then the JF Feehan Handicap from 1956-1969, before reverting to JF Feehan Stakes again from 1970 to 2004 (apart from 1983 when it was run as the Centennial Stakes). From its inception in 1948 (then known as the Glenroy Stakes) it has been a principal race at Moonee Valley run over eight furlongs or 1600m.
Some of the previous winners include:
Fields Of Omagh (2002)
Northerly (2001)
Sunline (2000)
Naturalism (1992)
Better Loosen Up (1990)
Rubiton (1987)
Strawberry Road (1983)
This year's race had a distinct similarity with last year’s event with (this time two horses) Sir Slick and Jungle Ruler going out at a ridiculous rate and forcing the favourites Maldivian and Pompeii Ruler to work extra hard in running. It was no surprise to see Pompeii Ruler weaken badly at his second run from a long break - but Maldivian did shoot clear on turning and might have looked a certain winner - if you did not take into consideration the way the race had unfolded.
"I can't understand why they have horses like Sir Slick and things like that in races like that. It's ridiculous,"
"Jungle Ruler and Sir Slick didn't make it easy. They just carved mine up. These guys were punching it out in front and just softening my horse up." - Mark Cavanagh, trainer of Maldivian.
Maldivian visibly tired in the last 100m and was allowed to run to the line under his own steam for 4th. Realistically he is a far better horse over 2000m or more where he can sustain his brilliance over a longer trip. No harm should be done for his long term prospects this Spring.
The race was won in brilliant fashion by Efficient’s half brother Guillotine. I have been waiting for a son of Montjeu to produce performances that his sons and daughters display on the European stage. Although Guillotine started at $31.00, and placegetters Casual Pass ($21.00) and Tears I Cry ($61.00) were unwanted in the betting - it does not really devalue the race. Both Tears I Cry (VRC Emirates Stakes) and Casual Pass (VRC Mackinnon Stakes) are previous Group One winners.
Since being transferred to trainer David Hayes Guillotine is undefeated in two starts. Described by his previous trainer David Payne as a ‘”Group One horse”, but also ‘”dumb and immature” - it could be now that this four year old is on the path to graduating with racing honours.
Guillotine
(photo: Phil Hyland)
Previously I wrote about the 2007 Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes in the light of the retirement of Cinque Cento, with reference to the quality of the field - and most importantly the progression of the featured runners (first, second and fourth) who would all subsequently win Group One events, including the two Melbourne Spring features of the WS Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup (El Segundo and Efficient).
If we go back to the Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes of 2006 we find Lad Of The Manor (his second consecutive success in this race) defeating Apache Cat in a small field of seven - but his first victory in 2005 saw him inflict (the rarest of events) a defeat for Makybe Diva, a race which saw multiple Cox Plate winner Fields Of Omagh into 3rd place, with El Segundo 4th. This was the first time that this race was run under its current title. It has formerly known as the JF Feehan Stakes from 1949-1955, then the JF Feehan Handicap from 1956-1969, before reverting to JF Feehan Stakes again from 1970 to 2004 (apart from 1983 when it was run as the Centennial Stakes). From its inception in 1948 (then known as the Glenroy Stakes) it has been a principal race at Moonee Valley run over eight furlongs or 1600m.
Some of the previous winners include:
Fields Of Omagh (2002)
Northerly (2001)
Sunline (2000)
Naturalism (1992)
Better Loosen Up (1990)
Rubiton (1987)
Strawberry Road (1983)
This year's race had a distinct similarity with last year’s event with (this time two horses) Sir Slick and Jungle Ruler going out at a ridiculous rate and forcing the favourites Maldivian and Pompeii Ruler to work extra hard in running. It was no surprise to see Pompeii Ruler weaken badly at his second run from a long break - but Maldivian did shoot clear on turning and might have looked a certain winner - if you did not take into consideration the way the race had unfolded.
"I can't understand why they have horses like Sir Slick and things like that in races like that. It's ridiculous,"
"Jungle Ruler and Sir Slick didn't make it easy. They just carved mine up. These guys were punching it out in front and just softening my horse up." - Mark Cavanagh, trainer of Maldivian.
Maldivian visibly tired in the last 100m and was allowed to run to the line under his own steam for 4th. Realistically he is a far better horse over 2000m or more where he can sustain his brilliance over a longer trip. No harm should be done for his long term prospects this Spring.
The race was won in brilliant fashion by Efficient’s half brother Guillotine. I have been waiting for a son of Montjeu to produce performances that his sons and daughters display on the European stage. Although Guillotine started at $31.00, and placegetters Casual Pass ($21.00) and Tears I Cry ($61.00) were unwanted in the betting - it does not really devalue the race. Both Tears I Cry (VRC Emirates Stakes) and Casual Pass (VRC Mackinnon Stakes) are previous Group One winners.
Since being transferred to trainer David Hayes Guillotine is undefeated in two starts. Described by his previous trainer David Payne as a ‘”Group One horse”, but also ‘”dumb and immature” - it could be now that this four year old is on the path to graduating with racing honours.
| 31 |
| Vote |
Shared on
Subscribe to this blog
