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date | Sat 28 Sep 2024 |
track | Randwick |
distance | 2400m |
conditions | Handicap |
status | Group 1 |
prizemoney | $750,000 |
The Metropolitan is one of the oldest events on the Australian racing calendar, dating back to 1863, just two years shy of the Melbourne Cup. It has been run at either 2400m, 2600m or 3200m in its storied history, but has settled into 2400m since 2001.
While the Metrop does have a long and storied history, it’s actually rare that a winner of the race goes onto greater things. More often than not it is the only Group 1 win for the victor, but in the early 2000’s the race went on a run where Railings and Tawqueet won it on the way to also taking out the Caulfield Cup, and the grand old marvel County Tyrone won the race in 2004.
Just Fine has an iron grip on favouritism, currently in red figures a couple of days out from the race. The import has had two runs in Australia for Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott, after 14 career starts in the UK. He romped home in a benchmark 94 over 1600m at the start of September, and then confirmed his ability and stoutness with an incredibly tough win in the Kingston Town last start. Sitting outside the leader for the first half of the race, he was then attacked by a third horse at the 800m, before casting them both aside and hitting the front at the 400m, defying the chasers to run him down. None could.
Five other horses from the Kingston Town are taking on Just Fine again, and it’s very difficult to make a case for any to turn the tables. Benaud finished second to him, which puts him in the frame to run a place again, especially given we know he is in solid form thanks to his Wyong Cup win previous.
The Newcastle Cup provides eight runners in this contest, and a number of them had run behind Benaud in the Wyong Cup also. Spirit Ridge has been around forever but has had an uber-solid 2023 with a win and seven placings, and is perhaps the best of those coming through those two races.
The form of the aforementioned races is all interconnected, and we have to think Just Fine has all of those runners covered, so that leaves the door open for another formline to provide the stiffest challenge.
Future History looks the likely danger. Similar to Just Fine, he is also an import having his first preparation in Australia, and has shown his worth at three starts over 2000m with a win and two placings. Never tried at 2400m in Europe, he is ready for the step up now.
Selections: 1.Just Fine 2.Future History 3.Benaud 4.Spirit Ridge
WIN
* Odds Correct At Time Of Posting. Check Playup Website For Latest Odds
PLACE
* Odds Correct At Time Of Posting. Check Playup Website For Latest Odds
YEAR | HORSE | JOCKEY | TRAINERS |
---|---|---|---|
2023 | Just Fine | Rachel King | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott |
2022 | No Compromise | Tommy Berry | Chris Waller |
2021 | Montefilia | Hugh Bowman | David Payne |
2020 | Mirage Dancer | Nash Rawiller | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young |
2019 | Come Play With Me | Brenton Avdulla | Chris Waller |
2018 | Patrick Erin | Corey Brown | Chris Waller |
2017 | Foundry | Michael Dee | Robert Hickmott |
2016 | Sir John Hawkwood | Blake Spriggs | John Thompson |
2015 | Magic Hurricane | James McDonald | John O'Shea |
2014 | Opinion | Tye Angland | Chris Waller |
2013 | Seville | Hugh Bowman | Robert Hickmott |
2012 | Glencadam Gold | Tommy Berry | Gai Waterhouse |
2011 | The Verminator | Craig Newitt | Chris Waller |
2010 | Herculian Prince | Nash Rawiller | Gai Waterhouse |