Encosta De Lago 今星期爭澳洲 Big 4 首關
He has sired 13 individual Group 1 winners and is the reigning Champion Stallion of Australia, but to date, the 'big four' have eluded him. That might all change on Saturday though, with Encosta De Lago having two live chances in the G1 $3million Tatt's Cox Plate.
The 'big four' of Australian racing are generally regarded as being the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups, Cox Plate and Golden Slipper.
Encosta De Lago has had limited representation in these races, but in more recent times, his numbers are starting to grow and it would seem only a matter of time before he picks off one – if not more – of them.
He has race favourite Princess Coup and her Australian Cup conqueror Sirmione in this year's Cox Plate.
He has had just three previous runners in the weight for age championship.
Delzao finished 6th in 2004 as his first runner.
Two years later, Encosta De Lago was represented by race favourite Racing To Win, who wound up a well beaten 11th, while in the same race Our Smoking Joe ran a respectable 5th in the race.
The Fairy King stallion has come closest to date in the Golden Slipper.
Alinghi was sent out a hot favourite in 2004 before running third to Dance Hero and Charge Forward in record time.
This year, Von Costa De Hero looked all over a winner as he descended on the leaders, only to have Sebring spoil the party in the last few strides.
Encosta De Lago's Caulfield Cup account was opened when Douro Valley and Princess Coup filled the minor placings last year.
His Melbourne Cup numbers have been limited, although he did have three runners last year, finishing 11th through 13th.
Encosta De Lago's progeny include 11 individual million dollar earners, headed by Princess Coup, Alinghi, Racing To Win and Sacred Kingdom.
His haul of big race wins includes the Australian Cup, Doncaster Handicap, Blue Diamond, Australian Guineas and Newmarket Handicap, while abroad, the Hong Kong International Sprint and Kelt Capital Stakes stand out.
[ 本帖最後由 S.WEEK 於 22/10/2008 08:25 AM 編輯 ]
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