The reverberation of The Gong will echo in the ears of all NSW Tycoons if their pin-up boy Estadio Mestalla can salute in Saturday’s $1 million Gong 1600m at Kembla Grange. After drawing barrier 18 last Saturday in the $1 million Hunter, all Tycoons were praying for the barrier gods to smile on Estadio this week. 

Well, it’s hard to believe, but Estadio actually drew worse, barrier 19 – can you believe it? 

If there is a silver lining from the bad draw, it’s a terrific starting position for the Mile at Kembla. Add to that,  Gringotts won easily last year after jumping from barrier 14. 

Plus, do I need to remind you that Estadio Mestlla also holds the track record over the Mile at Kembla set when winning the Gong Consolation last year. 

SIZZLING THE TURF

Estadio Mestalla appears to be better than ever. 

While the 1300m was always going to be a bit short for him second-up in the Hunter, he returned the most remarkable figures coming from last on the home turn to sizzle home officially finishing sixth, beaten only two lengths. 

Take nothing away from Joe’s other two horses, who quinelled the Hunter, in Coal Crusher and Accredited. They both were able to sit up on the pace and get the one-two finish. 

“Just the barrier cost us in the Hunter, but so good to see him running in such great form. It was the perfect run to back him up next week into the Gong, which I think is going to be a more suitable race for him. 

“A better barrier would have been ideal, but Kembla is a very fair track, they get plenty of time to find a spot from the Mile start, and it’s a big, long straight. 

“In a game of centimetres, it’s never easy from a wide draw, but Adam (Hyeronimus) knows the horse well and will give him a good ride.” Joe Pride said. 

PUNTERS INTELLIGENCE 

Many owners will be familiar with Punters Intelligence, a Racing NSW program that studies sectional times and distance covered from races in NSW. 

The Punters Intelligence reported there was no better run in the Hunter than Estadio Mestalla. 

“Estadio Mestalla clocked the race’s fastest last 600m of 33.17 and last 200m of 11.24 after the wide gate forced him to settle at the tail.

“What the run did was back up his excellent first-up win and show that he’s on target to go around again in this weekend’s $1 million Illawarra Mercury Gong over the mile at Kembla Grange.

“That was always the plan from trainer Joe Pride and he couldn’t have expected a whole lot more from the gelding given the task he was set, not only coming from last but he had to circle the field and Punter’s Intelligence data revealed he covered more ground than any other runner.

An extra 11.3m.

He’ll face a task against defending Gong champ Gringotts but he does get 5.5kg and he won the Benchmark 88 mile at the corresponding meeting last year in track record time.” The Punters Intelligence team reported. 

NO BLINKERS

The initial plan was to head into the Gong on the 7-day back-up with blinkers to be applied. But Joe has changed his mind in that department. 

“The way he is racing at the moment is very different from when I applied the blinkers last preparation. He wasn’t engaged and wasn’t interested, but he is a different horse this prep and I don’t think he needs them. 

“I’m very happy with him and he’s in great form leading into the Gong.” 

FINAL WORD 

Defending champion Gringotts is clearly the horse to beat, and bookmakers have installed him as a $2.20 favourite. Gringotts is coming off a win and has drawn well this year and has also added the Group 1 George Ryder to his repertoire since winning the Gong. 

Gringotts is a serious horse. But Estadio Mestalla does have a 5.5kg weight pull against him and after Wednesday’s draw has justifiably eased in the market to $8. 

Let’s give the final word to jockey Adam Hyeronimus when dismounting last start and addressing owners. 

“Bring on the Gong, he’s spot on, get excited everybody.” Adam spruiked. 

Don’t worry Hippo the NSW Tycoons are excited. 

Go you good thing!