Estadio Mestalla, the newly purchased tried horse for the NSW Tycoons is proving quite a weapon and the best is yet to come.
‘Emilio’ was only purchased in late November at the Inglis Online Digital sale and has already had two starts for the Tycoons, the latest a strong second at Royal Randwick on Saturday, the previous beaten only a neck at Rosehill a fortnight ago.
How good to have a horse bought for $65,000 in November racing in town on Saturdays – not any town but arguably the toughest jurisdiction in world racing.
TACTICS OUT OF THE WINDOW
There’s no blame on anyone here, but it’s hilarious at times how pre-race tactics can go out the window as soon as the barriers open, that was the case on Saturday at Randwick with Estadio Mestalla.
The instructions from Joe to jockey Jason Collett were to go forward and probably sit outside the leader, but ‘Emilio’ had other ideas. He missed the kick, forcing Jason to go back and sit three wide, but he did have cover.
“Would have liked to have positioned closer but he just didn’t step away well enough. The leader had it all his own way in front, but your bloke really attacked the line.” jockey Jason Collett said.
“Well that clearly didn’t go to plan. I thought the horse ran terrific, he had a real dig, and got to the line well.
“He wants a little bit further, the horse is going terrific and we are going to have a lot of fun, commented trainer Joe Pride.
“I thought the horse ran terrific” Jockey Jason Collett
SURROUNDED BY GOOD FORM
There’s an old adage in racing that form out of a bunch finish isn’t great form.
I’m not sure where it comes from although I know it’s a theory Sky expert Ronnie Dufficy often voices.
I don’t subscribe to it and neither does trainer Joe Pride.
“Have a look at that Rosehill race two weeks ago, Estadio was a neck fourth in a bunched finish.
Zou Tiger who was second at Rosehill and came out and blew them away in the Listed Carrington Stakes here today, while Ka Bling finished an unlucky and narrow second to Group 1 winner Ayrton at Caulfield. So it’s shaping as a great form race.” Pride concluded.
“He wants a little bit further, the horse is going terrific” Trainer Joe Pride
POST RACE JOCKEY & TRAINER COMMENTS
WHAT’S NEXT
There’s no rest for the wicked and NSW Tycoons are off to the races again this Saturday with Estadio Mestalla.
“He has pulled up well, there’s a Benchmark 88 at Rosehill on Saturday over 1500m and that might just be his sweet spot,” Joe said. For the Tycoons it’s another raceday in town on a Saturday and the opportunity to score 41,750 points in Month 4 of The Racing League, if Estadio does salute on Saturday, the Blues will be very well placed to take out the $10,000 monthly prize for finishing 1st.
Clearly Joe will keep an eye on how Emilio does for the rest of the week, barrier draws and the strength of the field, along with the weather, and we will keep everyone informed.
Go Tycoons & Good luck to all owners in the Monthly cash draw, The Tycoons claimed 2nd place for Month 3 and the $5,000 cash prize. Winners will be announced 5pm Friday 2nd Feb.