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| Staff Writer |
The Caulfield Cup delivered a pulsating climax as Duke De Sessa claimed victory in Australia's richest 2400-metre handicap, etching his name into the annals of this prestigious race. However, the revelation that the winner isn't entered for the Melbourne Cup has left the racing world in a state of bewilderment, sparking intense debate about connections' plans and the broader implications for the spring carnival.
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Ciaron Maher's Irish import putting in a stellar performance to claim the prestigious Group One prize, showcasing the trainer's exceptional ability to prepare horses for Australia's premier races. Duke De Sessa, formerly trained by Dermot Weld in Ireland, demonstrating the benefits of Maher's patient approach since arriving Down Under.
The victory marking another feather in the cap for Maher, who has rapidly ascended to become one of Australia's leading trainers. His knack for rejuvenating the careers of European imports once again coming to the fore, with Duke De Sessa joining a growing list of international success stories from the Maher stable.
The post-race revelation that Duke De Sessa was not entered for the Melbourne Cup sending shockwaves through the racing community. The Caulfield Cup has a rich history of producing Melbourne Cup winners, with recent examples including Without A Fight (2023) and Verry Elleegant (2020). However, Duke De Sessa's absence from the Melbourne Cup entry list meaning punters will need to look elsewhere for this year's winner of 'the race that stops a nation'.
This unexpected development raising questions about the changing landscape of Australian racing, with some speculating whether the trend of targeting specific races rather than traditional cups doubles is becoming more prevalent. The decision by connections to focus solely on the Caulfield Cup potentially signalling a shift in strategy for international raiders.
Connections remaining tight-lipped about future plans for Duke De Sessa, fuelling speculation about potential targets. While some racing insiders suggesting the horse could be aimed at other spring carnival races, others pointing to international options as possible destinations.
The uncertainty surrounding Duke De Sessa's next move adding an intriguing subplot to the spring carnival narrative. Racing enthusiasts and punters alike eagerly awaiting any clues about where this impressive Caulfield Cup winner might surface next.
Duke De Sessa's victory further cementing Ciaron Maher's reputation as a trainer of international talent. The Irish import's success story drawing parallels with other European horses that have flourished under Maher's care, including Group One winners Gold Trip and Sir Dragonet.
Maher's ability to adapt training methods to suit individual horses, particularly those with international backgrounds, continuing to yield impressive results. This latest triumph likely to attract even more overseas talent to his stable, potentially reshaping the landscape of Australian racing in the process.
The Caulfield Cup unfolding as a tactical masterpiece, with Duke De Sessa perfectly positioned throughout the race. Jockey John Allen delivering a textbook ride, showcasing his understanding of the horse's strengths and the demands of the Caulfield track.
As the field turned for home, Duke De Sessa unleashing a devastating turn of foot, surging past his rivals in the closing stages. The manner of victory suggesting that there could be even more improvement to come, leaving racing fans to ponder what might have been had he been entered for the Melbourne Cup.
While Duke De Sessa stole the headlines, the Caulfield Cup day card featuring several other notable performances:
Too Darn Lizzie showcasing her class with a dominant front-running performance in the Gr.2 Thousand Guineas Prelude. The daughter of Too Darn Hot making every post a winning one, suggesting she could be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming Thousand Guineas. Gai Waterhouse, on hand at Caulfield, expressing delight with the performance: "That's what we're here for (the Thousand Guineas) - I think she's training very well, I think we could easily run over the Flemington carnival," Waterhouse said.
The victory highlighting Waterhouse's enduring ability to prepare horses for major targets, with Too Darn Lizzie now firmly in the frame for Group One glory. The filly's impressive turn of foot in the closing stages boding well for her chances over the Thousand Guineas' mile distance.
The Ciaron Maher-trained Estriella returning to form with a gutsy all-the-way win in the Gr.2 Millenium (1000m). The mare, carrying a hefty 59kg on a soft track, demonstrating both class and resilience to fend off her challengers. Jack Turnbull, Melbourne stable manager for Ciaron Maher, commenting on Estriella's victory: "She was wide in the Moir and then she did a bit of work in the Manikato and it didn't work out. So we've reset, come back in trip and she did well today."
Estriella's bounce-back performance showcasing the Maher stable's skill in placing their horses to best effect. The win potentially opening up a range of options for the talented mare as the spring carnival progresses.
Former New Zealand mare Niance continuing her impressive run for trainer Grahame Begg, securing her first stakes victory in the Alinghi Stakes (1100m). The win marking her fourth triumph from just five starts since joining Begg's stable, highlighting the trainer's ability to improve horses from across the Tasman.
Niance's victory adding another dimension to the sprinting ranks in Melbourne, with connections now likely to set their sights on loftier targets. The mare's rapid progression suggesting she could be a dark horse in some of the carnival's major sprint races.
As the dust settles on an enthralling Caulfield Cup, attention inevitably turns to the next chapter of the spring carnival. Duke De Sessa's absence from the Melbourne Cup field leaving the race wide open, with punters and analysts alike scrambling to reassess the form lines.
Irish contenders Jan Bruegel and Vauban currently leading the Melbourne Cup betting markets, but the Caulfield Cup results likely to prompt a shake-up in the odds. The performance of the placed horses in the Caulfield Cup providing valuable clues for those looking to solve the Melbourne Cup puzzle.
With the spring carnival now in full swing, racing fans can look forward to more thrilling action in the weeks to come. The unexpected twists and turns of the Caulfield Cup serving as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of horse racing, and whetting appetites for the drama yet to unfold.