The Cox Plate picture was somewhat turned on its head at Sandown on Sunday with Alligator Blood showing tremendous fight to lead throughout and claim the Underwood Stakes (1800m), with the reputation of a couple of key chances at the crossroads.
Read on for the 2022 Underwood Stakes Post Race Horse Ratings.
2022 Underwood Stakes Replay
2022 Underwood Stakes Post Race Horse Ratings
1: Alligator Blood: I think to most this win was a surprise. He got control in front then 600m out, they came around and poured the pressure on. Based on the Makybe Diva, I thought he would fold, but on the line, he was strongest late and has well and truly stamped his Cox Plate credentials.
Rating: 9/10
2: Mo’Unga: He’s right on track for the Cox Plate. Flat footed when they sprinted and looked like he would run down the track, but the last furlong, he picked up and surged hard late nearer the inside of the pack to run second. Give him a dry track on Cox Plate Day and he’s right in the mix.
Rating: 8.5/10
3: Zaaki: From memory, it’s now been all bar one run now in Melbourne where he has wanted to lay in under pressure, badly. The only time he’s run straight was the Emirates last year when J Mac found the lead and fence. That might be the key. Finding the fence. He looked as if he’d go straight past Alligator Blood but didn’t want to put the race to bed.
Rating: 4/10
4: I’m Thunderstruck: Jury is out on him as a Cox Plate horse IMO. When they took off in front, he just got the beaut drag up and once presented at the top of the straight, it looked race over when he loomed, but on the line, he was safely held. 2000m at this level, I don’t think he runs it, so if he was mine, I’d focus on 1600m races.
Rating: 5/10
5: Mr Brightside: I don’t think he’s a serious WFA contender at the top level. I’d forgive him here though because he was off two joke races re tempo. Made the move on the turn and just didn’t have the grounding to finish it off.
Rating: 4/10
6: Nonconformist: He sat last in the run nearer the inside and stayed there, just not being able to pick up when the sprint went on. He’s looking for more ground so 2000m next time, the Might And Power, will be D-Day as to whether they continue down a Caulfield Cup path or aim lower.
Rating: 3/10
