Estadio Mestalla – Getting Closer

Jan 30, 2024

Estadio Mestalla, the newly purchased tried horse for the NSW Tycoons is proving quite a weapon and the best is yet to come. 

‘Emilio’ was only purchased in late November at the Inglis Online Digital sale and has already had two starts for the Tycoons, the latest a strong second at Royal Randwick on Saturday, the previous beaten only a neck at Rosehill a fortnight ago.

How good to have a horse bought for $65,000 in November racing in town on Saturdays – not any town but arguably the toughest jurisdiction in world racing. 

Helluva Barty Racing at Doomben on 28th Oct 2023

TACTICS OUT OF THE WINDOW

There’s no blame on anyone here, but it’s hilarious at times how pre-race tactics can go out the window as soon as the barriers open, that was the case on Saturday at Randwick with Estadio Mestalla. 

The instructions from Joe to jockey Jason Collett were to go forward and probably sit outside the leader, but ‘Emilio’ had other ideas. He missed the kick, forcing Jason to go back and sit three wide, but he did have cover. 

“Would have liked to have positioned closer but he just didn’t step away well enough. The leader had it all his own way in front, but your bloke really attacked the line.” jockey Jason Collett said. 

“Well that clearly didn’t go to plan. I thought the horse ran terrific, he had a real dig, and got to the line well.

“He wants a little bit further, the horse is going terrific and we are going to have a lot of fun, commented trainer Joe Pride.

Bellinger in the stalls pre-race at Bendigo

“I thought the horse ran terrific”  Jockey Jason Collett

Hot Spring Gold Racing

SURROUNDED BY GOOD FORM

There’s an old adage in racing that form out of a bunch finish isn’t great form. 

I’m not sure where it comes from although I know it’s a theory Sky expert Ronnie Dufficy often voices. 

I don’t subscribe to it and neither does trainer Joe Pride. 

“Have a look at that Rosehill race two weeks ago, Estadio was a neck fourth in a bunched finish. 

Zou Tiger who was second at Rosehill and came out and blew them away in the Listed Carrington Stakes here today, while Ka Bling finished an unlucky and narrow second to Group 1 winner Ayrton at Caulfield. So it’s shaping as a great form race.” Pride concluded. 

ZOU TIGER REPLAY HERE
KA BLING REPLAY HERE

“He wants a little bit further, the horse is going terrific”  Trainer Joe Pride

POST RACE JOCKEY & TRAINER COMMENTS

 

WHAT’S NEXT

There’s no rest for the wicked and NSW Tycoons are off to the races again this Saturday with Estadio Mestalla.

“He has pulled up well, there’s a Benchmark 88 at Rosehill on Saturday over 1500m and that might just be his sweet spot,” Joe said. For the Tycoons it’s another raceday in town on a Saturday and the opportunity to score 41,750 points in Month 4 of The Racing League, if Estadio does salute on Saturday, the Blues will be very well placed to take out the $10,000 monthly prize for finishing 1st.

Clearly Joe will keep an eye on how Emilio does for the rest of the week, barrier draws and the strength of the field, along with the weather, and we will keep everyone informed.

Go Tycoons & Good luck to all owners in the Monthly cash draw, The Tycoons claimed 2nd place for Month 3 and the $5,000 cash prize. Winners will be announced 5pm Friday 2nd Feb.

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BOUNCE BACK FACTOR 

As Tycoons were made aware of, there’s a theory in racing that when a horse suffers from cardiac arrhythmia, “you must back it next start” and they win. 

And that was certainly the message after Cool Jakey suffered cardiac arrhythmia the previous start at Randwick, with Joe Pride telling Tycoons in the pre-race late mail, “Don’t worry about what happened last start, the horse is fine and he looks great,” how right Joe was with Cool Jakey leading all the way.

COOL JAKEY THE KING OF WARWICK FARM 050325

Cool Jakey battling to the line with Emmadella

Cool Jakey trainer Joe Pride, Brave Pride, Jockey Adam Hyeronimus and TK

Trainer Joe Pride and son Brave Pride, Jockey Adam Hyeronimus and TRL Rep TK

HIPPO FROM BARRIER TO BOX

Adam Hyeronimus was having his first sit on Cool Jakey and he rode him a treat. We joked before the race “just go to the front and improve your position” and that’s exactly what he did. 

“He jumped well and found a nice rhythm straight away, he had a nice time so I let him slide early into it at the 600metres so we did go a bit early. 

“He felt fantastic throughout the run and was doing it easily, so I did get a bit of a surprise how quickly he stopped. 

“So maybe I did go too early, but in saying that, maybe seven furlongs is his upper limit. On that effort he’ll be winning again” Jockey Adam Hyeronimus said.

JOE DELIGHTED

“That was good guys” trainer Joe Pride said, with a big smile to a large contingent of NSW Tycoons on Cool Jakey returning to scale. 

“Look it was nice to see him win on a track that wasn’t bottomless wet, it opens up a lot more opportunities for him. 

“In saying that if there was a 1400m for him in a fortnight on a Good track I would probably be reluctant to start him. We need to nurse him through it and the next month – six weeks isn’t going to be easy because it’s carnival time. 

Cool Jakey the king of Warwick Farm with NSW Tycoons

Cool Jakey in the winners circle with NSW Tycoons’ owners

WHATS NEXT – PACK YOUR BAGS

The Tycoons have been very patient with Cool Jakey and their patience has been rewarded. He is building a very nice career record which stands at only 13 starts for 5 wins and a minor placing and is now pushing the $200,000 in prize money. 

‘Jakey’ has initially pulled up well, but we all know that he is a delicate soul and has to be treated with kindness and Joe is reluctant to push him too hard too quickly. Which is fair enough. 

“We might even consider travelling him maybe to Melbourne or Brisbane for a wet track, we just need to look after him.

“He’s been a good horse for us, we will look after him and his best opportunities will come in the Winter,” Joe concluded. 

Congratulations to all NSW Tycoons and winning connections.

Go you good thing!

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