Hello,

OK, so you were right in "Silvano cannot win the Cox Plate." But not only as an avid fan of the horse _and_ European I have to add some thoughts to the discussion.

I think the jinx about European raisers to Australia - it's not about class. Don't belittle horses like Double Trigger or Oscar Schindler, they were no worse than your heroes. The other way round, one very ... uhmm... modest-class European called Taufan's Melody ran away with the Caulfield Cup. So it's definitely not about class.

The horses they just have to cope with some harsh difficulties, a completely different time zone and climate (hey it's rainy autumn here, horses are growing winter coats!) and "funny" circular courses to say the least (we have a 600 meter straight at the local racetrack...). Please, respect the European starters. Maybe your opinion was a little more moderate if more Australian horses tried their luck in Europe. Btw, I _saw_ Strawberry Road win here and thought it was extremely remarkable. I also cheered Nothin' Leica Dane but he didn't do any good here. He's nothing less better for that. Remember, it's not about class. If they could race on Mars, I'm sure Silvano would give Northerly a hell of a race :smile: