Originally Posted by
Showgrounds
Just getting my tongue back, Dot. No, he was assessed C2 MO. A big drifter when favourite in the Central Victorian Championship at Maryborough 9 days prior from barrier 2. Like Spankem, a very, very good 4yo not catered for by the NZ handicapping system.
I felt sorry for the new owners when, before the Cup, doubts were cast over the horse's ability due to his defeat at Maryborough. When asked on the track before the race Gavin Lang used the old "well, it was the first time I've driven him" excuse for his defeat. Take that on face value and you would never let him drive your horse unless he had driven him at the trials! A quick look at the HRNZ website would show the horse leading most of the way and being too good for Star Galleria at Alexandra Park two starts ago - that may have given a clue as to the horse's ability.
Interestingly, Sergeant Schultz may have been in the stewards tower at Maryborough. They see nuthink!