Good draw
September 11th 2008 06:28
Moonee Valley Racing Club (MVRC) have announced today that they are moving to a 'Kentucky Derby' style barrier draw for the WS Cox Plate.
(photo: mvrc)
Under this two tier system a draw his held to allocate connections an order in which they will then elect the barrier of their choice.
Chairman of Stewards Terry Bailey will draw the name of a horse at random. The decision on the barrier is then a matter (for the connections) of interpreting the race (and racing attributes of their horse) to best favour their chances - rather than just fate.
The lucky owner(s) who win first selection of barrier would not always select barrier number one. In many instances it would be preferable to have a draw where you horse will avoid being cluttered up if it did not have sufficient early gate speed. Barrier one in those instances could see a favourite (with the anticipated best inside draw) settle midfield or worse - and wedged tight against the rail. No way back - no way forward - no way out. If a tardy beginner an owner would elect a draw of four or five that would give their horse options of settling handy, but one horse off the fence.
And sometimes the connections will elect a barrier that will add further interest (and controversy) to the drawing of barriers. Last year's Kentucky Derby was marked by the unprecedented decision by the connections of Big Brown who selected the outside draw, barrier 20, even though there were many (seemingly) better options available closer to the inside rail. It could be seen as a blatant show of arrogance. Or else viewed as making sure their horse would be kept out of trouble in a mad rush to the first turn. Either way - the decision proved correct (or at least not detrimental).
Horseracing in Australia has media coverage the envy of the racing world. This new initiative will assure an even greater press and television coverage and debate. If given first pick, which barrier would you choose for Weekend Hussler in a Cox Plate? I would not choose barrier one.
Makybe Diva after winning Cox Plate
(photo: mvrc)
Under this two tier system a draw his held to allocate connections an order in which they will then elect the barrier of their choice.
Chairman of Stewards Terry Bailey will draw the name of a horse at random. The decision on the barrier is then a matter (for the connections) of interpreting the race (and racing attributes of their horse) to best favour their chances - rather than just fate.
The lucky owner(s) who win first selection of barrier would not always select barrier number one. In many instances it would be preferable to have a draw where you horse will avoid being cluttered up if it did not have sufficient early gate speed. Barrier one in those instances could see a favourite (with the anticipated best inside draw) settle midfield or worse - and wedged tight against the rail. No way back - no way forward - no way out. If a tardy beginner an owner would elect a draw of four or five that would give their horse options of settling handy, but one horse off the fence.
And sometimes the connections will elect a barrier that will add further interest (and controversy) to the drawing of barriers. Last year's Kentucky Derby was marked by the unprecedented decision by the connections of Big Brown who selected the outside draw, barrier 20, even though there were many (seemingly) better options available closer to the inside rail. It could be seen as a blatant show of arrogance. Or else viewed as making sure their horse would be kept out of trouble in a mad rush to the first turn. Either way - the decision proved correct (or at least not detrimental).
Horseracing in Australia has media coverage the envy of the racing world. This new initiative will assure an even greater press and television coverage and debate. If given first pick, which barrier would you choose for Weekend Hussler in a Cox Plate? I would not choose barrier one.
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