It might just be time for the racing community to stand and up take notice of its only maiden to win a Cox Plate (2040m, Group 1, weight-for-age). Certainly, there’s a lot more to Shamus Award than the title of Cox Plate winner or maiden Cox Plate winner.
Shamus Award, the dominant victor in Saturday’s Australian Guineas (1600m, Group 1, three-year-olds) is a fantastic miler, I think in the mould of the champion mare Sunline.
Sunline, who won two Doncasters (1600m, Group 1, handicap), a Hong Kong Mile (1600m, International Group 1, weight-for-age) and a further ten Group 1s, liked to control the action from the front.
She was incredibly tough to get past because she was determined and could also accelerate off a hot tempo, and she brought a certain amount of attitude and aggression to her racing.
So good is Shamus Award at miling (a neologism, but a worthy one, the miler’s craft being so specific it deserves its own word) that in time I can envisage Shamus Award stepping out of all shadows and creating his own legacy.
Three times he’s been to mile this season and each of his performances at the trip would rank in the top ten I’ve seen in Australia at the mile since the season began on August 1 last year.
First, there was his narrow defeat in the spring at Moonee Valley, in the Stutt (1600m, Group 2, three-year-olds), when there was so much pressure that the hearts of everything near Shamus Award in the lead were broken.
The black colt could’ve spat the dummy too and be beaten by ten or 15 lengths like the others. After all, Shamus Award had no reputation to defend.
But instead he wanted to fight, showed admirable desire to win and only went down in a photo to Devine Calling, who would later survive an objection from the Shamus Award camp on Stutt night and then run second in the Caulfield Guineas (1600m, Group 1, three-year-olds) a few weeks later.
The next start, in that Guineas, Shamus Award drew wide and was subsequently disregarded by pundits and punters and everyone else in between.
He travelled wide and at the back of the Guineas field, racing without much cover before sweeping down the centre of the Caulfield straight to take an eye-catching third.
It shouldn’t be forgotten, and won’t be anytime soon, that the Guineas winner Long John has since won by panels in Dubai, and the fifth horse in the Guineas, El Roca, could turn out to be anything from a multiple Group 1 winner to a champion.
Of course, Shamus Award would, at their next start, give Long John and everything else that lined-up in the Cox Plate a beating.
It wasn’t a dominant victory by any stretch but the Cox Plate was memorable for two reasons. It was the victory of a maiden who gave a final-bend Valley kick that Sunline would happily claim; and was the first Cox Plate to be used by half the field as the lead-up to the Melbourne Cup (3200m, Group 1, handicap), which last year was the spring grand final for those that took a Cox Plate path through to Flemington.
Third in the Cox Plate was Fiorente, who will be remembered as the winner of what was described at the time as the strongest ever Melbourne Cup.
Returning in the autumn, Shamus Award was well beaten at 1400m in the Orr (Group 1, weight-for-age) by Moment of Change. And perhaps this is where Sunline is superior – she was very rarely well beaten over any distance.
In any case, Shamus Award had a tough first-up run. He was asked to sit in the slipstream of Moment Of Change and chase. Shamus Award would cart sections of 11.67s (1200-1000m), 11.56s (1000-800m), 11.47s (800-600m), 11.19 (600-400m), 11.23 (400-200m) and then, when on one rein and completely spent, 12.07s (200m-finish).
On face value I thought Shamus Award was disappointing, but then Moment of Change did exactly the same to Group 1-placed three-year-old Bull Point in the Futurity (1400m, Group 1, weight-for-age) last weekend.
At the mile, and not for the first time, we saw a different Shamus Award in the Australian Guineas. Remember, no-one thought anything of Shamus Award until he stepped up to the mile for the first time in the Stutt.
Shamus Award becomes elite class when he steps up in trip to a middle-distance. Before the Australian Guineas, even though this race was his autumn aim, he showed signs of freshness (he was four weeks between runs) as he sweated freely in the mounting yard. But he presented in fantastic health and fitness.
Then he channelled his inner Sunline, and produced a dominant victory at the mile. Craig Williams took Shamus Award to the front, where the horse does his best work, and set an average speed. Shamus Award would benefit from the tempo because it made the task of everything in the second half of the field almost impossible.
But Shamus Award resented being restrained. He fought Williams for more rein between the 1200m and 600m when sections of 12.00s, 12.19s and 12.00s were posted (two or three lengths slower, per furlong, than the Orr).
The attitude Shamus Award exhibited on Saturday when he raced with his head held high, pulling for more leather, is an example of the same free-wheeling attitude that made Sunline famous.
And how many times did we see Sunline race with her head held high? Plenty!
Some people will knock Shamus Award for failing to settle but I admire what the poor trait stands for in this instance.
Here’s a great racehorse, a Cox Plate winner no less, wanting to get the job done. Wasting energy of course, but destroying his rivals when it counts. It’s arrogance and contempt and everything we love in a great horse.
Because when Williams turned Shamus Award loose with less than 400m remaining, he gave an almighty kick and opened the field up. In the end, it was a decisive turn of foot. And the killer kick you expect to find in any prolific Group 1 performer.
Shamus Award clearly didn’t get his own way in the lead, he wanted to run faster, but he was given a cheap lead and made the strongest ever Australian Guineas field pay.
Eurozone, who beat Shamus Award home in the Orr, was flat at the mile.
Despite racing on the outside of Shamus Award, he couldn’t sprint in the straight. Eurozone never appealed to me as a miler and even though he demolished the finish line first-up at 1400m, and presented fantastically well in the parade, he couldn’t get the job done at his first go at miling.
Eurozone will probably run a strong mile one day but it will only happen when he is given a quiet run, as he got in the Orr, and perhaps when he is more seasoned.
Hucklebuck, the heavily backed Guineas favourite who finished eighth on Saturday, doesn’t stay a mile – plain and simple.
I predicted two weeks ago that he wouldn’t run out the mile in the Guineas because he failed to win the Carbine Club (1600m, Group 3, three-year-olds) at the same track and distance in the spring when he loomed to win.
Statistically, as was pointed out to me by at least one Roarer, the Carbine Club run of Hucklebuck was fantastic. The winner Paximadia got a cheap lead and Hucklebuck never shirked his massive task, even if he went down as an even-money favourite.
But upon reflection, the view I had of the Carbine Club, watching on alongside James Cummings in fact, showed Hucklebuck looming to win at the clock tower adjacent to the mounting yard and failing to get the job done.
Camera angles can be so deceptive at the races because the television replay tells a completely different story in this instance.
On Saturday, Hucklebuck found himself further back than usual and then faced with the prospect of having to out-sprint the noted fast finishers like Teronado, Thunder Fantasy and Criterion, Hucklebuck could only hold his own until he ran of petrol in the last 100m and was swamped by the swoopers.
The runs of Thunder Fantasy, Criterion and Teronado were each fantastic. Criterion looked a million bucks before the race and ran right up to it. Cameron Rose hypothesised on Friday that the chestnut colt would be trained to run a big race and he did exactly that.
Criterion, having flown home for fourth first-up in the CS Hayes (1400m, Group 3, three-year-olds), has returned in fantastic form and will have his best opportunity yet to claim his maiden Group 1 in the Rosehill Guineas (2000m, Group 1, three-year-olds) later this month.
Teronado, fifth first-up in the Hayes, was super late. As he did upon resumption, he charged in the last 100m to get close to the place-getters. He has staying blood on his dam side and should appreciate 2000m, if only because it may allow him to settle closer to the lead.
But the best run of the beaten brigade came from Thunder Fantasy. On face value, I can understand why many people probably disagree with that previous sentence. But let me explain.
Thunder Fantasy didn’t look ready to win on Saturday. His coat was a bit plain, he wasn’t even nearly fit and he got into a muck lather before the race – a tell-tale sign of freshness. And still, he was fantastic in third.
Thunder Fantasy was only just beaten home by Criterion at the death but has plenty more improvement to come. Criterion, on the other hand, was presented in a manner that indicated he was ready to fire some big shots.
And it is also worth noting that Thunder Fantasy beat Criterion into third when they duelled for the bronze medal in Polanski’s Victoria Derby (2500m, Group 1, three-year-olds).
Most importantly, with Polanski and Derby runner-up Complacent off the Australian Derby (2400m, Group 1, three-year-olds) scene, the race is there for Thunder Fantasy to win.
Noting that he looks to have lengths of improvement to come, Thunder Fantasy has to be the horse to beat in the Derby. After all, Thunder Fantasy is dual Group 1 placed. Yet, unbelievably, he’s a 10/1 chance in Derby betting.
The other eye-catching run in the Guineas came from Surge Ahead who was a close-up sixth having also run on strongly from the back. He wasn’t as impressive visually as Teronado was late but he too will be a player in the Rosehill Guineas when the distance will be more suitable.
Prince Harada, who tired into seventh, was quite good. He plugged on well, as he promised to do, but like Hucklebuck failed to fully run out the mile.
And, in such a strong Guineas, where weaknesses were exposed, Prince Harada came up short. I still believe there’s a Group 1 win in Prince Harada but I don’t know where it’s going to come from.
Lawrence Culhane
Guest
The word is that Shamus Award is utilizing Hypoxic simulation and I must say Danny O' Brien is absolutely brilliant in his selection of this enormous technology. Whilst , credit must foremost be given to the staff and this tenacious equine superstar, it duly must be noted that his anearobic ''capacity'' can be hence resulted from Hypoxia. The television coverage and helicopter view of these green buildings on Melbourne's Cup day was marvelous. I would very much enjoy getting a closer look, but must say, I understand the ownership forbids such. In any case, best regards to all and a hearty congratulatory wish from ours to yours.
Justin Cinque
Expert
Well said Sammy. On that last point, check in tomorrow for a piece on that very issue.
andrew
Guest
well, as huckleubucks biggest spruiker I better have a post mortem. firstly, full credit with the winner, thoroughly deserved winner. I do feel cheated with shamus award, backed him 3 times in a row last spring in the McKenzie, henry bucks and stutt stks to no avail. I think the ride was poor on hucklebuck, but ultimately academic to the result. he had been ridden back in the field 3 times in his career and beaten each time. the other 5 times they have pressed forward and/or raced handy and he has won. tourner basically conceded from the get go. I don't know what the betfair in the run market was, but he had to north of $10 at the 1000m mark. the two faves settled 1 and 2, they were going leisurely, unpressured, racing solo (ie, not a horse outside them at their girth or whipping up 3 wide) and hucklebuck was 3rd last spotting them 10 length. the field didn't cram or compress on the turn either (credit to Williams here for upping tempo a bit at 600m). the freeze shot of the replay to this article says it all really. when you look at the positions of hucklebuck (head turned on side trying to get out) miles off the two other faves and leaders. the overall time was 3 secs outside record and slower than last two 1600m races at flem (on a good 3) won by amatheon and flying hostess back in jan. but....for all that, I will accept his last 100m was disappointing. if he had kept coming and run 3rd to 5th, different story, but the last 75m or so, he paddled. I doubt they will push on to syd. stokes set him for this race. I recall him saying the Stradbroke was an option. 3yos have good record in race, and he would get in on min weight. the vic health cup (or whatever its now called) would be another good race for him come spring. id still be happy to consider backing over 1600m in the future, as he has been set a task impossible at both his 1600m runs, but the jury is entitled to be out, given he is 5 from 8 overall, and 0 from 2 at 1600m. only positive was atleast I got on early at $13, so didn't lose as much as I might have at $4. still, it was 2 min noodles for dinner on sat for me.
Sammy
Guest
Hi Justin Atlantic Jewel reminded me of Sunline…….but Shamus reminds me of So You Think - High Cruising, Front running style and ability to maintain a long gallop. Craig Williams stated that Shamus has probably the highest sustained anearobic capacity of any horse he's ridden in work! I understand all the post gallop analysis(lactate levels, bloods etc) the stable does post work also suggest to them he is a freak of an animal. Credit to Obrien and connections too that they will race him on as a 4yr old and not wrap him up in Stud record protecting bubble wrap
Haradasun
Guest
FARCIAL! So El Roca gets inconsequential treatment but is scratched and Eurozone had a bad leg, but there is no onus to report that prior to the race? Surely if you were going to have a bet on the race, that sort of information would come in handy?
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
Any thoughts on reports today that Eurozone received unreported treatment to one of his legs in the lead up to the race (per the SMH this morning)? Surely these things should be reported? Also - does Shamus Award need to find the fence to run his best? Seemed to be pulling a bit early on Saturday but settled once he found the fence?
Justin Cinque
Expert
Breaking news from Ray Thomas - Appearance out of the Chipping Norton. Tied up (cramped) after her last win. Goes to Canterbury in a fortnight and meets Zoustar & Not Listenin'tome! What a race that will be.
Justin Cinque
Expert
Thanks Allanthus. I wanted to write this piece today because I think Shamus Award has not been getting the respect he deserves. When he won the Cox Plate people didn't look back to his brilliant run in the Guineas, most wanted to dismiss the victory. And I thought that was harsh because I picked Shamus to run well on merit and on form. I wanted him to get a start in the race because I thought he could win. I was stoked to see him dominate against his own age on Saturday. Had he drawn well in the Caulfield Guineas, he may well have won that race with the same dominance he showed on the weekend. I'd definitely follow Thunder Fantasy. He's going to be hard to beat in everything, including next week's Australian Cup, from here.
Geoff Parkes
Expert
Hi Justin I enjoyed your article thanks and really enjoyed the race as well. Agree with your comments about Shamus Award, and looking in retrospect now it's easy to see how the Cox Plate win wasn't the surprise it seems at the time. Couldn't agree more about Thunder Fantasy, after standing out Polanski, I had him in my first 4 in the Vic Deby and he duly provided some nice value - and he's obviously come back well. What i really liked was that he finished off with a turn of foot, didn't just grind to the line like an old fashioned stayer.
Justin Cinque
Expert
Yeah it is funny. Goes to show that breeding isn't everything! I agree about Fiorente. He is always a risk until he gets to 2400+. I'm adamant. The horse is a stayer. Was a tricky day Bondy. Sydney's rain put the slows on my good work in Melbourne. I'll blame it on the rain anyway!
Justin Cinque
Expert
Yeah he was strong Drew. He did get a cheap lead (after doing a bit of work to get there) but he just charges through the line when up and going.
Bondy
Guest
How breeding and racing have changed over the years Hucklebuck sired by Elvestrom "Clfd Cup " winner out of a O'Reilly mare "generally stay and love the wet" appears not to get a mile ?. Though Shamus Award sired by Snitzel out of a Success Express mare "more speed" runs through or sprints through the post. The mind boggles at modern breeding. I backed Hucklebuck and I was punished for backing a horse from Morphettville who'd won listed races where the Cox Plate winner was at 7-2, some will never learn . For a horse to lead from barrier to box as Shamus did you cant make excuses for the beaten brigade but did Tourneur give me a run for my money, No. Fiorente at even money is a risk and should be taken on. I lost on the day.
Justin Cinque
Expert
Yep, El Roca would've smashed them. Great autumn coming up! This weekend - Fiorente v Shamus Award & It's A Dundeel v Appearance!
Cameron Rose
Expert
I forgot to mention El Roca in my post. He would have won the Hobartville by two lengths hard held I reckon, so it's a shame that he misses that run. Hopefully it doesn't unduly affect the rest of his campaign. It's a mouth-watering prospect to anticipate the clashes ahead. One thing is for sure - we'll be seeing a lot of three year olds run at WFA in the next couple of months.
Drew H
Guest
Many people were vexatious at Shamus Award after the Cox Plate. It was the big daddy to win and did provoke. I like you article Justin. It truely reflect the 'good sport' attitude we should show to top performers. Hey.....Didn't it look strong crossing the post ! One point: many people believe that good horses have long strides. I think that it is a false notion, and good horses have normal strides, like we've just seen.
Justin Cinque
Expert
I forgot to say, the one big question mark for the Guineas is how the form lines up against El Roca? I think El Roca will beat the Hobartville quinella (Atlante and Dissident) if they meet in the near future. El Roca is the best Sydney-based 3yo this autumn. He's a bloody good horse. Is he better than Shamus Award? I'd love to see them clash!
Justin Cinque
Expert
There's one thing I'm certain of - this form will stand up in Sydney. No doubt! This was the strongest autumn Guineas ever held in Melbourne. The winner is a Cox Plate winner. The second and third horses now have a pair of Group 1 placings against their name. It was genuine Group 1 racing. Shamus Award can win the Australian Cup next obviously (and Thunder Fantasy can run well too) but Shamus Award's race is the Doncaster in my opinion. Three-year-olds have a very good record in the race and I think (as I've written today) Shamus Award is an elite-level miler. Criterion will be incredibly hard to beat in the Rosehill Guineas, so will Thunder Fantasy and Teronado. And I'm convinced Thunder Fantasy has to be the favourite for the Derby. Good call on Eurozone for the George Ryder - looks a nice race for him. They need to ride him quietly though. He can't be exposed at distance longer than 1400m in my opinion. Hucklebuck, too, would be a good George Ryder prospect I think. By all reports, and I missed him in the yard on Saturday, he looked outstanding. Maybe there's no improvement left so an interstate trip could be a bridge too far, but I think the Ryder would be a good race for him. Agree on Surge Ahead. He was pretty strong late and will be better at 2000m as well.
Cameron Rose
Expert
A great ride and a great three year old, Shamus Award was home a long way out wasn't he. His last four starts have been at Group 1 level, for two wins and two placings. He'll get the chance to add to that next week in the Australian Cup (as will Thunder Fantasy). I expect this form to hold up at Group 1 level in Sydney, definitely from the first three home, and Eurozone and Teronado will have a role to play with the right runs in the right races. They might have to settle for Group 2 level wins this time around though, although I think Eurozone could have a say in a George Ryder. It's awfully hard for even the best horses to come from last in the run, which is where Teronado continues to find himself, so unless he can be a bit more versatile, he's always going to catch the eye without winning in top quality fields. Justin, you were spot on about Hucklebuck not seeing out the mile, which was especially exposed in a high quality field. He simply couldn't compete in the final furlong when others were at their strongest. I also thought Surge Ahead was good in ninth, three wide the trip and obviously not the class of the others, but kept fighting all the way in the straight to finish just off the main players. He's shown that he's a couple of lengths of the best, but he'll find a Stakes victory at some stage, which will further enhance the depth of this race.