Another shot at glory for Baughurst
After missing a start in the Caulfield Cup on Saturday, in which the Warrnambool-trained galloper was first emergency, the group three feature produced an emotion-charged consolation result for connections of the hardy eight-year-old.
Symon Wilde, who trains Baughurst in partnership with his father Bill, revealed he would push on to the $752,500 Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington on October 31.
Encouraged by Baughurst's two group one results this preparation - beaten 1.5 lengths by Efficient in the Turnbull Stakes and 1.8 lengths by Whobegotyou in the Yalumba Stakes - Wilde reasons he deserves another outing at the top level.
"Given his form in those it might be a realistic target for him to get a top three," he said.
"And the weight-for-age ranks at the moment aren't super duper.
"It's probably about the only race left for him. We don't want to drag him out to a mile -and-a-half any more."
Given that Baughurst will be a nine-year-old next spring, the Mackinnon looms as potentially his last chance to win or place in group one company.
Dropping back in class on Saturday, he was sent to the barriers a $4 favourite and with the assistance of a heady ride from Ben Melham scored by 1.3 lengths from Shocking ($4.60). Pacino ($13) was a long neck away in third place.
Baughurst settled midfield on the rails after a small squeeze at the start, with Cape D'Amore, then Mentality setting the pace. Melham edged his mount off the rails after passing the 800-metre mark and tracked Pacino into the race.
Baughurst raced to the lead inside the final 300 metres and when Shocking threatened to issue a challenge, a tight finish loomed. But he responded to the challenge and Shocking ducked in, leaving Baughurst with a winning break.
Wilde said it was an emotional result for the owners.
"They understand what the horse has been through and how difficult it has been to get him here," he said.
"Last time (2008) it was pure shock and surprise. All of them had a tear in their eye this time."
Baughurst has been plagued by back and joint problems throughout his career, with the Wildes limiting most of his work to the beach.
While some of the owners may have had mixed feelings about missing a start in the Caulfield Cup, Symon Wilde confessed he and his father were quietly pleased.
"My look at the Caulfield Cup was he probably would have run a great fifth if we had luck in running," Wilde said.
"Both years he hasn't got a run in the Caulfield Cup and he's won the consolation."
Stablemate Hissing Sid has been entered for the group three Geelong Cup (2400m) on Wednesday but is more likely to head to the group two Moonee Valley Cup (2500m) next Saturday.
Baughurst finished second in the Moonee Valley Cup last year with Baughurst.
For newspaper articles - go to following links:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26226444-5013405,00.html
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/sport/horse-racing/withering-burst-bags-baughurst-a-consolation-prize-20091018-h2a1.html
http://bloodstock.cyberhorse.com.au/index.php/Victoria/Baughurst-Goes-Back-To-Back-In-Coongy.html
http://www.aapracing.com.au/news/racing/RNS-article54246
Today's Runners
Recent Racing Record
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Earnings: $67,342.00
Starts: 14
Wins: 4
Seconds: 1
Thirds: 2
Recent Racing Record
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12-13 W'bool Heavy May 6, 2010
1100 (RB78)
Jockey: W Hokai
Weight Carried: 57.0
Race Time: 1:07.85
Placing: 1-Papercut 57.0
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10-12 M.V. Good Feb 26, 2010
1600 (RB82)
Jockey: Craig Williams
Weight Carried: 56.5
Race Time: 1:36.98
Placing: 1-Laspiel 58.0
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3-8 Lakesi Good Feb 10, 2010
1400 (RB82)
Jockey: D Yendall
Weight Carried: 57.0
Race Time: 1:24.23
Placing: 1-Private Jeune 58.0
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1-8 Ball't Good Jan 24, 2010
1400 (RB72)
Jockey: D Yendall
Weight Carried: 58.0
Race Time: 1:26.04
Placing: 2-Forty Days 59.0
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1-10 W'bool Good Jan 10, 2010
1400 (RB68)
Jockey: B Cross
Weight Carried: 57.5
Race Time: 1:22.48
Placing: 2-Light Tan 57.5
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3-13 Horsh. Good Dec 20, 2009
1800 (RB68)
Jockey: W Hokai
Weight Carried: 57.5
Race Time: 1:51.69
Placing: 1-Sylvan Lodge 57.0
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2-8 Stawel Good Dec 12, 2009
1600 (RB68)
Jockey: W Hokai
Weight Carried: 57.0
Race Time: 1:37.85
Placing: 1-Enchanting Waters 56.5
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1-12 H'ton Good Dec 4, 2009
1300 (RB62)
Jockey: J Mallyon
Weight Carried: 55.5
Race Time: 1:18.22
Placing: 2-Test The Scene 56.5
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6-14 Ararat Good Nov 20, 2009
1600 (Cls 1)
Jockey: J Lyon
Weight Carried: 58.5
Race Time: 1:36.41
Placing: 1-Request La Fame 57.5
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5-10 W'bool Good Nov 5, 2009
1100 (RB62)
Jockey: J Lyon
Weight Carried: 58.5
Race Time: 1:04.41
Placing: 1-Laurie's Magic 58.5
