John O’Shea was appointed Godolphin’s head trainer in Australia in August and bids for some much-needed Group 1 success in Saturday’s Emirates Stakes with Contributer.
Although Godolphin has claimed over $20million in prize money for the third consecutive year, they have only recorded three Group 1 winners to date. It was not until last month that Godolphin registered their first Group 1 win in the UK. This will be the lowest since 1997 when they only had 83 horses in training as opposed to more than 400 in 2014.
The statistics for Group 2, Group 3 and Listed winners are very much in keeping with recent years but the significant fall in Group 1 winners will be a matter of serious concern for Sheikh Mohammed.
Contributer is a son of High Chaparral previously trained by Ed Dunlop. He had only won at Listed level prior to his recent victory in the Group 3 David Jones Cup at Caulfield. That was over his favoured trip of a mile and a quarter and he drops back to a mile on Saturday.
He was bought by Godolphin after winning the Wolferton Handicap at Royal Ascot this summer and sent to O’Shea. He was always travelling easily just off the pace at Caulfield and eased to the front on the home turn, only needing to be pushed out to hold Noble Protector by a length. He is drawn nicely in barrier two and should be able to keep tabs on the leaders over this shorter trip.
The race that produced the best trial was probably the Crystal Mile in which Hooked beat the staying on Bull Point and Desert Jeuney. Hooked was right up with the pace from the outset while the second and third came from well back on the home turn. I was particularly taken with the late run of Bull Point who enjoys a 2kg pull at the weights with the winner on Saturday. Damien Oliver takes the ride on this one and he could prove the each-way value of the race.
Hucklebuck is another fancied runner starting from barrier five. He won the Group 3 Yellowglen Stakes over 1400m here on Derby Day but it must be a slight concern that this race will come too soon.
Contributer @4-1 Sportsbet*
Bull Point @8-1 Bet365
Each-way ¼ odds, 1,2,3
*Sportsbet Special Offer – If your horse finishes 2nd or 3rd in the Emirates, stakes will be refunded (up to a maximum of $100, first bet only)
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