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Historical Analysis of the Doomben Cup
DOOMBEN CUP - G1 2000m
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. It’s been dominated by interstate horses too.
o Last 10 Winners Most Prevalent Age of winner - 4yos (4 times)
o Last 10 Winners Average Price of winner - $8
o Breakdown of winners - 6 geldings, 3 entires & 1 mare
o Races that the winner ran in prior - Hollindale Stks (7), Toowoomba Cup (1), Rowley Mile (1), The BMW (1).
RECENT WINNERS
Barrier: 11, Weight: 59.0kg, Gross Time: 2:01.43
Margin: 0.2L, Track: Good (4), Starters: 112nd: Egg Tart (57.0kg), 3rd: Ambitious (59.0kg)
Review: Chris Waller was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall Of Fame the night before so it was only fitting he would quinella a G1 the next day.
Comin’ Through had had a top Autumn behind some elite horses and deserved his G1. After being favourite in the lead up without luck, he needed it this time from the gate. Walker rode him so well by getting in, then getting going at the 600m.
He admitted he didn’t feel like a winner at any stage but he did enough to hold off Egg Tart and the Japanese import Ambitious boxing on.
2017 - SENSE OF OCCASION 6g (Street Sense x Saywaan) ($9)
Jockey: Corey Brown, Trainer: Kris LeesBarrier: 15, Weight: 59.0kg, Gross Time: 2:06.63
Margin: 1.3L, Track: Heavy (8), Starters: 152nd: Star Exhibit (59.0kg), 3rd: Rudy (59.0kg)
Review: Talk about a well-deserved victory. The Newcastle gelding had come of age taking the Villiers but more impressive were his slashing efforts in the Doncaster and Queen Elizabeth.
He then headed north and was so unlucky in the Hollindale at the Gold Coast. He’d have been a massive hope then drew the outside but on a heavy track that wasn’t considered as bad. Getting way back, he needed pressure on and that was evident.
Still six lengths back turning, Brown peeled him to nearer the outside rail and he soared over the top.
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.