Historical Analysis of the Doomben Cup
Some fantastic horses have won the Doomben Cup.
If the great Might and Power, Juggler, Danewin, Durbridge and Defier weren’t enough, Rough Habit soared to legendary status in Brisbane with three straight Doomben Cups in and around two Stradbrokes as well.
The race has toggled its distances but looks to be home now at a mile and a quarter.
PROFILING THE RACE
o From 2002 to 2006 the race was run at 2200m but with the Brisbane Cup downgrade in distance and status, the Doomben Cup has come back in distance as well.
o Cinque Cento was the first mare to win in donkey’s ages before Streama won in 2014.
o Mostly favoured runners have won this which is not surprising at WFA.
o Recent winners have predominantly been first time G1 winners.
o Victorian jockeys have prevailed recently.
o Last 10 Winners Most Prevalent Age of winner - 4yos (4 times)
o Last 10 Winners Average Price of winner - $9
o Breakdown of winners - 5 geldings, 3 entires & 2 mares
o Races that the winner ran in prior - Hollindale Stks (5), Queen Elizabeth Stks (1), Queen Of The South Stks (1), Toowoomba Cup (1), Rowley Mile (1), The BMW (1).
RECENT WINNERS
2016 - OUR IVANHOWE 6h (Soldier Hollow x Indigo Girl) ($16)
Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy, Trainer: Lee & Anthony FreedmanBarrier: 6, Weight: 59.0kg, Gross Time: 2:01.41
Margin: 0.4L, Track: Good (3), Starters: 102nd: Hauraki (59.0kg), 3rd: It’s Somewhat (59.0kg)
Review: This was a triumph for horsemanship as Anthony Freedman got his hands on the troublesome former German horse and he worked the magic. With many issues, mainly his feet, the thought was he needed a wet track.
In the end he overcame a good track and needing to rattle late in winning his first G1 in Australia. The Caulfield Cup and Australian Cups were excellent efforts and even the Melbourne Cup was unlucky but he hit hurdles in the BMW.
In a muddling race he was shuffled back to be second last before the turn but was able to creep up on them and then hit the line too well for perennial placegetter Hauraki.
2015 - PORNICHET 4h (Vespone x Porza) ($3.50 fav)
Jockey: Blake Shinn, Trainer: Gai WaterhouseBarrier: 4, Weight: 59.0kg, Gross Time: 2:02.52
Margin: 2.5L, Track: Good (4), Starters: 152nd: Weary (59.0kg), 3rd: I’m Imposing (59.0kg)
Review: It looked a competitive race pre-race but in truth it was a thrashing. On a day when Blake Shinn was giving riding lessons, he was on the right horse in this one.
Pornichet was on the back up from the Toowoomba Cup after missing out on the Hollindale run. He sat back midfield of the pace set by Leebaz and Green Moon but once wound up at the 500m, it was no contest.
He made up five lengths in about 100m and was in front turning. From there he put a gap on them. Whatever was to come, he’d shown his ability right there and then.
2014 - STREAMA 5m (Stratum x Pensiamo) ($4.25 eq fav)
Jockey: Blake Shinn, Trainer: Guy WalterBarrier: 8, Weight: 57.0kg, Gross Time: 2:01.72
Margin: 0.8L, Track: Dead (4), Starters: 102nd: Leebaz (59.0kg), 3rd: Junoob (59.0kg)
Review: It’s great when a mare wins in open class. But it’s better that they have raced on beyond their four year old season as so often they are off to stud very quickly. Streama was winning black type races as a 2yo and now secured her fourth G1.
It was a day when being on pace was an advantage and Blake Shinn rode her superbly. She came out well and found the spot behind the leader Leebaz. Just when she needed a run, it opened and she drove through turning.
It might have been only ¾ length margin on the line but it was never in doubt. Very sadly five days later Guy Walter died from a heart attack. What a racing legacy he leaves.
