The first Tuesday in November (not at Flemington but at Royal Randwick) remains the major prize Estadio Mestalla after another gutsy effort at Rosehill Gardens last Saturday.
He is a very good honest horse who “always gives his all” trainer Joe Pride said after the Tycoons celebrated another second placing from their star team member.
Estadio has now had 9 starts for the NSW Tycoons for 1 win, 5 seconds, and 3 fourths winning $232,000 in prizemoney – that’s a massive result.
Tycoons know the story bought online last November for only $65,000 in partnership with Joe Pride, Estadio has now had 9 starts for the NSW Tycoons for 1 win, 5 seconds and 3 fourths with plenty more to come.
PUTTING ON A SHOW
Joe is now clearly on record as stating “Emilio” is much better on top of the ground, but was alo concerned about how much those two early preparation starts on Heavy tracks had taken out of the Tycoon.
You never really know that until they are under race pressure.
Estadio is normally a no fuss professional customer but while he was well behaved in the tie up stalls it was a different matter once he was loaded into the barriers according to jockey Jay Ford.
“He cost himself a little bit there he was raring up and carrying on, he was really on edge today.
“He just didn’t hit the ground, but in saying that he was actually beaten for speed in the first furlong and I tried to give him a hurry a long, but he wasn’t able to hold them out so that changed the complexion of the race for us. In saying that he soldiered on really bravely, he’s mister consistent but once he didn’t step it changed everything. “
All credit to Williamsburg who was having his first start after being gelded (there’s a reason whey they call it the ultimate gear change).
Williamsburg showed terrific early dash to cross the field, lead and improve his position, you can’t take anything away from the winner.
“He solidered on really bravely, he’s mister consistent” Jockey Jay Ford
JOE THOUGHTS
“I do think that wasn’t him at his best.” Joe said
In saying that, Estadio Mestalla was only beaten less than a length and clocked the fastest 200m of the race, 11.45 seconds.
“Once I get him home I’ll work out a plan to get us to Melbourne Cup day, well all being good we are running that day at Randwick, more than likely in the Little Dance (worth $750,000).
“That would more than likely be third run back, something like that, that would be about the right spacing for him.
“We’ve gone from running around in some benchmark races to some Group races and Open Handicap races don’t underestimate how hard that is,” Joe said.
FINAL WORD
Pencilled Melbourne Cup at Royal Randwick into your diary and then cross your fingers for a smooth preparation.
Estadio won’t be going for a spell, but it will be a three-week freshen-up and more than likely be third-up into the Little Dance.
The exact path to Randwick on Melbourne Cup day will be mapped out by Joe in coming weeks.
There will be plenty of options at different tracks, but one thing Joe did conclude with was “I would think the Randwick Mile is tailor-made for him.”
Is everyone ready for a Dance, big or little?
Go You Good Thing !
