3 minute read

Best Solution defied top weight and a car park draw to fight through and win the Cualfield Cup.

That's the story in the record book but it was due to a daring and courageous ride by Pat Cosgrave which earned him a 10 meeting suspension. It was a thrilling finish with the US bred Homesman who is by War Front and now owned by Lloyd Williams. He was drawn in gate 4 Ben Melham kept him up near the front of the field.

The Cliffsofmoher had a steady race without too many problems and finished third, followed home by a great run from Duretto with Dwayne Dunn in the irons. The Taj Mahal was another satisfactory performance in fifth, and the favourite Kings will Dream was the first of the locals to finish but he was so unlucky - he hit his legs just after leaving the stalls and nearly unseated Craig Williams. By the time they could get balanced again all chance of winning had gone and it was a very brave effort to finish 6th.

Apart from the winner, who came from gate 15, Homesman came from 4, The Cliffsofmnoher 3, Duretto 1, The Taj Mahal 17 and Kings Will Dream 6 showing a definite advantage for horses in the first 8 gates.

Lots of unlucky stories - Ace High went to the lead with Sole Impact and both appear not to have got the trip. Youngstar finished seventh but this was a tough race for her. Red Verdon suffered traffic problems and interference and we just hope he makes it into the Melbourne Cup field (it seems likely) as he is one who will appreciate the extra room and the long straight of Flemington.

There was a slight drizzle through the race and during the afternoon the track was downgraded to a soft 6. There was plenty of other races to ejjoy - not always for the right reason such as Bricktop's jockey falling off behind him in the second race and having to run after the horse to get clear of some gear.

Eduardo impressed in the Sprint, the first three in the Ladboke's Classic ex Norman Robinson - Thinkin Big, Chapada an Si8korsky all go into the little black book.

Race 7 was a dead heat for first and then a protest after between Best of Days and Mask of Time.

Shumookh brought up a double for Gai and Adrian and jockey Tim Clark and it was lovely to see Linda Meech ride a winner in the last. While the weather wasn't the best it looked like there was a good crowd who mostly were well behaved.