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The outcome of barrier draws where connections have the opportunity to draw the barrier brings high’s, low’s and despair.
Tuesday's barrier for the $5m, Group 1 WS Cox Plate (2040m) at The Valley on Saturday was no different, James Cummings was confident and Jamie Richards in utter despair.
For Richards there had been a nervous wait to see if Te Akau Shark (NZ) would even make the field being one of three of the 19 acceptances who had not won a Group 1 race. The others being Kluger (JPN) and Magic Wand (IRE). All three have placed at Group 1 level and all three did make the final field.
After the elation of gaining the support of the Moonee Valley Racing Club committee to gain a place in the 14 strong field, Richards than had to watch barrier after barrier disappear to the selection of connections of other runners and there was no choice in the end.
Only barrier 18 was left, so Te Akau Shark has barrier 18 against his name and will start at 14 after the four emergencies come out.
Inside Te Akau Shark are Kings Will Dream (IRE) in 17, Homesman (USA) in 16 and the $3.40 TAB favourite Lys Graceieux (JPN) in 15.
Richards was almost lost for words.
"Struggling to make the field and then they give us the outside barrier, anyway we will do our best and have a nice time following the Japanese anyway," he said.
"The horse went well this morning, he appreciates a little bit of room and he usually gets back and I think around The Valley with a little bit of room it is going to suit him.
"It makes things difficult doesn't it, especially when this is the first time away at weight-for-age as well. He is going to have to be at his ultimate. We are happy with him, he should not be unlucky from out there," he said.
Asked if Te Akau Shark was good enough Richards was as positive as possible.
"He is going the right way, it is a big step up for him, but we are here and this is has been the aim. Had we won the Epsom where he ran second, not beaten far, but certainly going the right way.
"It is a pleasure to have a horse good enough to be on the international stage and we are very grateful for the support of our owners.
But can Te Akau Shark win.
"Ah, very difficult," he replied.
Inside at barrier seven is Godolphin's Avilius (GB) and with the third emergency Galio Chop (FR) in barrier one Avillius will start from barrier six.
Trainer James Cummings could not hide his delight.
"He drew seven but with the third emergency drawing one he will come into six and that was our preferred barrier of all the barriers. So any barrier draw when you turn up and you get your number one barrier draw you are pretty happy," he said.
Avilius galloped at Flemington on Tuesday morning and Cummings reported that the multiple Group 1 winner was in good shape.
"He pulled up in really order and we feel that he is ready to go," he said.
"Most importantly I was confident in the horse when he pulled up after the gallop and that gives me the conviction to proceed.
"What I tend to do is to see how the horse is, we look at routine bloods and we make sure the appetite is still there. He has a tremendous appetite, if I feel like doing another little bit (of work) later in week I will may do that, but this horse has had the right training and he is fit and ready in my opinion," he said.
Avlius, a six-year-old Pivotal gelding, comes to The Valley off a fourth to Cape Of Good Hope (IRE) in the Group 1 WFA Caulfield Stakes over 2000m at Caulfield on October 12th. Before that run he was the impressive winner of the Group 1 George Main Stakes over 1600m at Randwick on September 21st.
Te Akau Shark, a five-year-old Rip Van Winkel gelding, has run second three times in succession with the last a nose defeat to Kolding (NZ), with 50.5kg, in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap over 1600m when carrying 54.5kg at Randwick on October 5th.
Avilius is at $8.00 with TAB's market and Te Akau Shark $15.00.
