Apart from the Black Caviar “benefit” in the Schweppes Stakes, Cox Plate day played its normal role in delivering high quality performances for the Cup week.
Photo by Racing and Sports
The Group 1 Cox Plate was full of interest as usual with most pre race discussion cantering around the ability of star three-year-old Helmet to run a strong 2040m.
History shows that, on this occasion at least, he was not able to do so, the race falling to a much improved in form mare Pinker Pinker.
Aided by a superb Craig Williams ride, Pinker Pinker saved many lengths approaching the home turn railing through as other riders elected to get off the fence.
When Lion Tamer dropped out of contention on the home turn the run then presented itself for Williams and Pinker Pinker to chase down and defeat New Zealand galloper Jimmy Choux who looked to have the race in his keeping when he dashed to the front from a tiring Helmet soon after straightening.
The win was Pinker Pinker's biggest and her first Group 1 success coming quickly on top of her fighting second in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) the start prior.
That aside the merit of her Cox Plate win was assessed at 122, up six pounds from her previous master rating, the increase due in no small way to the way the race unfolded.
Cox Plate race standards analysis also pointed to a possible value for the race between 122/123.
While also considering the overall Timefigure rating for the race and the circumstances that led to the win, a 122 final Timeform figure was considered the appropriate level.
Following the unfortunate break down and subsequent loss of Lion Tamer, the below par effort by Glass Harmonium and another poor showing from Shamrocker, the Cox Plate field looks unlikely to feature as a lead up to the Melbourne Cup.
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