Jamie Kah’s Mixed Emotions Ahead of the Melbourne Cup
After experiencing the exhilarating yet exhausting ride aboard Via Sistina in the Cox Plate, champion jockey Jamie Kah found herself at Flemington on Monday, grappling with a mix of emotions. When asked about the possibility of the superstar mare starting in next Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup, Kah winced before letting out a nervous laugh. Her apprehension was palpable, reflecting the immense respect she holds for Via Sistina after witnessing her record-breaking performance.
Riding for Glory: Kah’s Commitment to Okita Soushi
While Kah will be riding the impressive Moonee Valley Cup winner Okita Soushi in the Melbourne Cup, she is acutely aware of the competition posed by Via Sistina. The mare, trained by the renowned Chris Waller, recently showcased her dominance by routing her rivals over 2040 meters at Moonee Valley. Kah expressed her concerns candidly, stating, “Without a doubt, yes,” when asked if she would be worried about Via Sistina’s potential participation in the Cup.
The Record-Breaking Performance
Kah’s concerns are well-founded. Via Sistina not only smashed the track record during the Cox Plate but also achieved a higher rating than the legendary Winx did during her four victories in the race. This remarkable feat has positioned Via Sistina as the outright favorite for the Melbourne Cup, currently listed at $4.50 with the TAB. The question now looms: will Waller opt to enter her in the Melbourne Cup, or will he reserve her for a tilt at the Hong Kong Cup against last year’s Cox Plate winner, Romantic Warrior?
Assessing Recovery: Waller’s Strategy
Vin Cox, the general manager of the Yulong Investment syndicate that owns Via Sistina, emphasized the importance of assessing the mare’s recovery before making any decisions. “There is no rush right now. She is in the race, so we’ll take the time we need,” he stated. The team is keen to allow Via Sistina to settle down and regain her strength before finalizing their plans.
McDonald’s Enthusiasm for a Melbourne Cup Run
Champion jockey James McDonald, who celebrated his 100th Group 1 win aboard Via Sistina, is eager to see her in the starting gates for the Melbourne Cup. He expressed confidence in her ability to handle the 3200-meter distance, citing her extraordinary performance in the Cox Plate. “If she ran in the Melbourne Cup, I have no queries on her not running the trip out, and her class will take her a long, long way,” McDonald remarked, highlighting the mare’s exceptional talent and form.
Rivals Acknowledge Via Sistina’s Dominance
The buzz surrounding Via Sistina’s potential entry into the Melbourne Cup has sparked discussions among her rivals. Kah, who was taken aback by the mare’s performance, noted that she had initially been concerned about Via Sistina’s readiness after a dramatic workout that saw McDonald thrown from the saddle. However, after witnessing the mare’s stunning victory, Kah acknowledged, “That was extremely impressive.”
Insights from Fellow Trainers
James Cummings, whose father Bart Cummings is a Melbourne Cup legend, is preparing last year’s Victoria Oaks winner Zardozi for the race. He expressed his belief that the Waller camp is seriously considering extending Via Sistina’s campaign to include the Melbourne Cup, given her outstanding performance. “There’s a reason why the stable have not shut it down straight away,” Cummings noted, emphasizing the high stakes involved.
The Potential Impact of Via Sistina on the Melbourne Cup
Michelle Payne, the only female jockey to win a Melbourne Cup, weighed in on the conversation, suggesting that Via Sistina would be an “unbelievable addition” to the race. She advocated for allowing the mare to dictate her readiness, stating, “If she is thriving and looking great, then why not?” This sentiment echoes the excitement and anticipation surrounding the Melbourne Cup, as fans and competitors alike await the final decision on Via Sistina’s participation.
The Melbourne Cup Carnival: A Celebration of Racing
As the Melbourne Cup carnival approaches, the excitement is palpable. The launch event at Flemington brought together prominent figures in the racing community, including trainers, jockeys, and celebrities, all eager to discuss the upcoming races and the potential impact of horses like Via Sistina. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, as the racing world holds its breath, waiting to see if the champion mare will grace the starting gates next Tuesday.
In this thrilling lead-up to one of Australia’s most prestigious races, the discussions surrounding Via Sistina highlight the blend of strategy, emotion, and sheer talent that defines the sport of horse racing. With the stakes higher than ever, all eyes will be on the decisions made in the coming days as the Melbourne Cup draws near.