The Kerry Parker-trained outsider Think It Over landed a surprise win in Saturday’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick, turning over a star-studded line-up.
The door has now been left open for an ambitious spring campaign. The son of So You Think could now be aimed at the Cox Plate and the Melbourne Cup.
Strong Field Beaten at $41
Think It Over was a shock winner in the $4 million feature race. Going off as a $41 outsider, he was brilliant in capturing the Queen Elizabeth.
Verry Elleegant, beaten again in fifth place, was favourite for the race ahead of Rosehill Guineas winner Anamoe (last of nine) and multiple Group 1 winner Zaaki (second). Cup hope Duais was also in the field, running home seventh.
The win was Parker’s third career Group 1 success. It was also a second for Think It Over. Now, injuries allowing, the gelding should reach all new heights later in the year.
Think It Over Cup Prep
Sire So You Think is making great headlines, with Think It Over his latest top-level winner. He’ll now apparently enjoy some time off at Jazcom Thoroughbreds before he returns to work later in the year, aiming for more headline-grabbing wins.
After his well-earned rest, Think It Over will come back into training with the main aim being the Cox Plate on October 22 at Moonee Valley. That is his main target, but the Melbourne Cup is also on Parker’s radar on November 1.
If Think It Over was to do the big double, he’d be joining some illustrious company. The last horse to win the Cox Plate and the Melbourne Cup in the same year was Makybe Diva, the great mare winning both in 2005.
Can Think It Over Stay the Distance?
Think It Over’s class is not in any doubt. To date, he has racked up more than $7 million in prize money. The issue will be staying the Melbourne Cup distance of 3200 metres.
Up to now, Think It Over has been tried over 2400m+ three times. He has not hit the places in any of those starts which leads to Cup doubts. The furthest he’s gone to date was the 2600 metres of the Chairman’s Handicap in 2020.
The Cox Plate is most definitely in Think It Over’s wheelhouse. Parker didn’t send his star for the race last year owing to restrictions. It appears his full focus is on the race this year however with the Cup seen as a bonus.
The trainer has enjoyed some huge success with Think It Over. The gelding won the Hill Stakes, the Craven Plate and the Rosehill Gold Cup. That led to a $1 million bonus and who knows what the spring may bring.
Read more news about the Melbourne Cup.
