There may be talk of moving the Melbourne Cup and Cox Plate schedule around, but one thing remains constant and that is that Daqiansweet is a contender.
Trainer Phillip Stokes has some big races planned for his gelding first. The son of Warning Flag got going in the Carlyon Cup but has more important targets ahead.
Adelaide Cup Winner to Head to Sydney
Before having another go at the Melbourne Cup, Stokes has autumn carnival Group 1 targets in mind for Daqiansweet Junior.
Though finishing nearer last than first, the five-year-old made his return in the Carlyon Cup and now should be all the fitter for it.
The 2022 Melbourne Cup sixth came out of the race in great condition according to his trainer. After blowing away the cobwebs on Saturday, it seems a go at the Australian Cup is next on the agenda.
One thing we do know is that the gelding won’t be sent back to SA to go for another Adelaide Cup. Instead, he will go to the Sydney Cup at Randwick on April 8.
It was heavy ground in the race in 2022 with Daqiansweet Junior a fine third. Stokes however reckons that the experience gained in the Melbourne Cup will be a great help in this year’s edition.
Two Miles is Key
Given that the Carlyon Cup was over just 1600 metres, Daqiansweet Junior was never going to be involved. We know however that 3200 metres is the key to him and he’ll be a live one in Sydney. His performance there will decide whether or not he forms part of many people’s Melbourne Cup tips.
In the 2022 Sydney Cup he was only beaten 4½ lengths and stayed on nicely. He faced some sharper tests in three lead-up runs, before another strong galloping performance at Flemington in the Cup.
Drawn in the 12 barrier, he was towards the rear for a long way before making up ground hand over fist late on to lose out to Gold Trip and co. by only 7¼ lengths. It’ll be interesting to see how he does at Randwick.
Hall of Fame for 2021 Heroine Verry Elleegant
The ever-popular champion mare and 2021 Melbourne Cup winner Verry Elleegant is to be honoured. The former Chris Waller-trained star is to be inducted into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame later in the year.
The NZ-bred daughter of Zed won 16 races in her career. 11 of those were at Group 1 level, racking up $14.8 million in prize money.
Her Melbourne Cup victory was the pinnacle of her fantastic career and nothing has been lost despite her unsuccessful move to Europe last year. The plan was for her to be trained in France and go for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
She will be inducted during the Hamilton during the Hall of Fame Dinner on May 7.
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