The big guns were out in force in the Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m), with getting the job and earning a spot in the Cox Plate field. Here are our ratings for the race.
1. Tosen Stardom:
Summary: Got a fair way back in the run, wanted to peel on the turn but Williams tried to keep him in and he had no momentum. Excellent late.
Rating: 8/10
Spring Target: Cox Plate
2. The United States:
Summary: Real eye catcher from this bloke. Back near last on the turn, forced widest yet savaged the line. Ticking over beautifully for the Cox Plate.
Rating: 9/10
Spring Targets: Cox Plate, Melbourne Cup
3. The Cleaner:
Did what he always does and that’s run along in front. Gave a really good kick but the old legs couldn’t quite get the job this time, but he was brave.
Rating: 6/10
Spring Target: Cox Plate
4. Jacquinot Bay:
Summary: Had a nice run off the speed. Top of the straight he was going to finish off strongly, but got chopped out.
Rating: 5/10
Spring Target: Unknown
5. Signoff:
Summary: Heading towards the Melbourne Cup so was never really a winning chance, but IMO he was quite disappointing. Didn’t attack the line at all.
Rating: 2/10
Spring Target: Melbourne Cup
6. Excess Knowledge:
Summary: Sat behind The Cleaner throughout and was okay without setting the world on fire. He will improve off that for sure.
Rating: 4/10
Spring Target: Melbourne Cup
7. Awesome Rock:
Summary: Baster will cop a decent suspension I suspect but worth it. Brilliant ride to get him clear and he just savaged the line in a dominant win.
Rating: 8/10
Spring Target: Cox Plate
8. Mahuta:
Summary: Proved he was not a WFA horse here. Outside the leader all the way and was beaten before the turn. Perhaps a little freshen up and attack the Sir Rupert Clarke/Toorak path.
Rating: 3/10
Spring Target: Unknown
9. Tavago:
Summary: Copped the worst of the interference from Awesome Rock. Lost momentum, but he ran to the line very nicely and was strong past it.
Rating: 6/10
Spring Target: Caulfield Cup/Melbourne Cup
10. Suavito:
Summary: Blinkers were supposed to the trick, but they didn’t. She was very plain and I think the breeding barn might be calling.
Rating: 1/10
Spring Target: Unknown
11. Real Love:
Summary: Gee what a run this. Tracked the winner all the way and was one of only a few to doge that interference and built up the momentum without trouble. Really good return.
Rating: 8/10
Spring Target: Unknown
12. Miss Rose De Lago:
Summary: Sat three wide no cover throughout. When you’re doing that outside The Cleaner, that’s your face done and dusted.
Rating: 3/10
Spring Target: Unknown
13. Set Square:
Summary: Sat wide with cover before peeling wider on the turn and she was one who dodged the interference and finished off with real purpose.
Rating: 8/10
Spring Target: Caulfield Cup
14. Jameka:
Summary: Sat back with cover and was never really allowed to show her stuff given she was in a bumping duel with Tosen Stardom. Give her another chance.
Rating: 5/10
Spring Target: Caulfield Cup
15. Entirely Platinum:
Summary: SCR