18/10/2002 edition

Bel Esprit Huge Run

Bel Esprit was the best of good things beaten last Saturday in the $1,000,000 3YO Group 1 Caulfield Guineas run over 1600 metres.

From barrier 15 leading hoop Damien Oliver surprised most pundits by settling the colt well back in the field. Damien Oliver was lucky to stay on the colt, who got a buffeting back in the field when trying to find a clear run at the business end of the race.

Oliver took Bel Esprit seven wide at the 150 when the colt showed a blistering turn of foot to storm home for second behind the Leon Corstens trained Helenus.

The tipsters who said Bel Esprit was purely a speed horse and wouldn't get 1400 metres, let alone 1600 metres, have had to more than eat their words. They are all strangely silent.

Trainer John Symons will make a decision about a Cox Plate start for Bel Esprit later in the week. He has put Kerrin McEvoy, who can ride at Bel Esprit's Cox Plate weight of 48.5kg, on stand-by for the race.

It looks like being a vintage race this year with horses like Sunline, Northerly, Lonhro, Defier and overseas start Grandera competing. The Cox Plate is a gruelling test of stamina. They usually sprint for home from the 800 metres. While Bel Esprit is an outstanding 3YO, we doubt that the horse will win such a tough race in such a vintage year. If the colt does he will a true champion.

This edition of Punt to Win:
Bel Esprit - huge Caulfield Guineas run
Watch these horses from Caulfield
Handicapping tips - weight and class
Discussion - weight and class handicapping
Money talks - Rosehill plunge horses
Money talks - Caulfield plunge horses
Money talks - Eagle Farm plunge horses
Money talks - Victoria Park plunge horses
Future winners - unlucky horses
Punt to Win 11/10/2002
Punt to Win index

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