Protectionist wins 2014 Emirates Melbourne Cup Group 1 $6 Million at Flemington (VIC) , 3200m.
Protectionist was ridden quietly in the early stages by Ryan Moore, settling midfield on the rails in the 22-horse field. He then drifted further back as the tempo increased and was 17th, one off the rails at the 1200m. He improved to about tenth on turning for home, got a split on passing the 300m and showed a surprising turn of foot to hit the lead at the 200m and then raced away to win most impressively by four lengths in fast time (3.17.71). He is an exceptionally high quality stayer.
Red Cadeaux was magnificent at his fourth Cup attempt. He travelled nicely in seventh place, one off the rails, moved
up well (with cover) nearing the home turn, hit the lead at the 400m and fought on gamely for second after being overhauled at the 200m for yet another Melbourne Cup placing.Who Shot Thebarmantravelled well in tenth place on the rails, improved between runners at the turn, going to third at the 300m. He then continued to fight on in good style, holding on to take the minor placing, beaten four and a half lengths in a solid staying performance. It was also a very good ride by Glen Boss.
The lightly weighted Signoff (51.5kg) was handily placed, about tenth between runners and was travelling well coming to the 600m. He moved up well rounding the home turn, challenged at the 300m but just fought on from that point to finish a sound (6 lengths) fourth probably just lacking the class of those that finished in front of him after being given every opportunity by Joao Moreira.
Willing Foe was about 12th between runners, got a nice run through at the home turn going to fourth at the 300m before battling on for (7 lengths) fifth.
Precedence came from 15th at the 600m, running on soundly for a good (8 lengths) sixth at his fourth Melbourne Cup attempt while Araldo ran on quite well from the tail of the field for (9.2 lengths) seventh.
Fawkner was nicely placed most of the way and had clear running from the 300m but then struggled to run out the
trip in finishing tenth, beaten just under 13 lengths.Lucia Valentina travelled well midfield on the rails but was under riding nearing he home turn and looked tested by the 3200m in finishing (16 lengths) 13th.
My Ambivalent led and set a quick tempo to the turn before tiring for 17th while the Caulfield Cup (Gr 1, 2400m) winner Admire Rakti surprisingly raced close to the pace in second place most of the way to 600m and looked to be travelling well at that stage but was suddenly under pressure at the turn and dropped out to finish a distant last. He subsequently caused his handlers come concern and tragically collapsed and died on his return to the stabling area.
