The Big Goodbye – Race Preview
Did he win? Did he really win? He couldn’t have won – but he did!
That was the frantic conversation among NSW Tycoons as the field hit the line in the $300,000 Listed Choisir Handicap at Royal Randwick on Melbourne Cup day, with Estadio Mestalla bursting through the pack, somehow, to notch the most remarkable of wins and also the biggest win in his now illustrious career in NSW Tycoons colours.
To do it on Cup day and at headquarters in Sydney, just adding to the moment.
SURPRISE NUMBER 1
I guess the first surprise was that Estadio Mestalla was racing at all on Melbourne Cup day at Royal Randwick.
He only barrier trialed last Friday at Warwick Farm, with trainer Joe Pride telling owners of a change of plan.
That change of plan was to give him a start at Randwick, so he wouldn’t be flattened by his first-up effort in the $1 million Hunter (November 25), to have him cherry ripe for the $1 million Gong over the Mile (November 22).
The change of plan, definitely a “masterstroke” from trainer Joe Pride.
SURPRISE NUMBER 2
While Joe also thought he could be running home well and hitting the line, Estadio Mestalla had some different ideas.
Against these super sharp sprinters, he was never going to have the early pace to stay with them and he cornered second last in the field.
He trucked into the race up the rise and simply exploded over the final 100 metres in particular, for the most spectacular of wins.
“Look it was unexpected, I thought he would run well. I knew as soon as I saw his head come through that he was going to blow them away.
“He’s on song, isn’t he, and he is quite a versatile horse; we’ve seen him win over ground with blinkers on and now a winner over 1100 meters.
“We will go to the Hunter without any blinkers on him and see how he goes there, and we still have the Gong as another option,” Joe said.
HIPPO ALL SMILES
There was genuine delight on the face of jockey Adam Hyeronimus, who was still in a state of shock when he spoke with owners on dismounting in the winner’s stall.
“That’s fantastic, I really grew in confidence trotting round to the barriers.
“He looked really good in the coat, he felt really good.
“The speed was hot, we just navigated through, and his final 200 metres was fantastic, I felt we were going to win, very good job.” the man they call “Hippo” declared.
WHAT’S NEXT
No rest for the wicked. Estadio Mestalla won’t be asked to do much back home at Warwick Farm.
All going well, he’ll be on the float to Newcastle for the $1 million Hunter, which initially the 1300m looks below his best distance. That opinion might have changed now, and he’ll be a threat in Newcastle.
Estadio will then be on the 7-day back-up, likely with blinkers back on, for the $1 million Gong over the Mile at Kembla Grange, where he happens to hold the track record.
Exciting times ahead for the NSW Tycoons.
Go you good thing!