1. HELENUS
2. TITANIC JACK
3. BEL ESPRIT
4. CHOISIR

Bel Esprit Even
Helenus 92
Choisir 14
Great Glen 14
Titanic Jack 14
Bunker 20

Thekey I agree with your assessment of Bel Esprit against his own age. However I cant put as much emphasis on his bad barrier as you do. With his speed and the top jock aboard I expect him to get across quite easily. Ideally he will get some cover and if he settles I think you will see his accelleration carry the day quite easily. Obviously from my price assessment you can see I do expect him to come back to the rider.Its a great day of racing and this race is very interesting. Fours looks great odds to me.

8 - Helenus.
2 - Choisir.
7 - Titanic Jack.

bel esprit

Helenus selected by BettyBoop, Equine Investor, INTUITIVE & TESTAROSSA – well done group. Welcome aboard INTUITIVE !

Not one of my picks but BEL ESPRIT should have won! What a run!!
I for one have a higher opinion of BE for races over 1600m & even further, after yesterday’s event!


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[ This Message was edited by: Rogan Josh on 2002-10-13 07:35 ]

The previous knockers of Bel Esprit are deafening us with their silence. If the horse that can't run a strong 1200 was mine I'd be aiming at the Cox Plate, even the Vic Derby beckons.

I think having an outside barrier definitely helped Bel Esprit and with a champion jock (D.Oliver) on board he didn't listen to all the "experts" which said he HAD NO CHOICE but to lead and settled at the back.

I wasn't one of the knockers but i did think he wouldn't run out a strong 1600m by leading , i always thought Bel Esprit would be a better horse by relaxing just behind the lead and then unleashing his great sprint.

I think the outside barrier showed he could do this and i hope connections teach him how to relax in his races and if they can i would definitely not rule out him running a Derby distance.

I hope Bel Esprits run won't detract from the winner Helenus , it was a great win and its win in the Stutt Stakes was just as impressive.

Also thought Choisir and Great Glen ran super races especially Choisir which burned to the lead and set up the fastest Caulfield Guineas time ever and still managed 3rd.

The way Helenus stretched out over the final 200m shows that this horse is something special.

Oliver should not be criticised for his ride on Bel Esprit. He knew the horse couldn't lead and win over the distance, so tried different tactics which very nearly paid off. Oliver said he was hampered by Titanic Jack when trying to obtain a run.
I wouldn't consider Bel Esprit a chance over 2000 metres still. I would rather see them put the horse away for a while, freshen it and take it to the Hong Kong Sprint.
Then I'd be taking the odds!