You could write a book on Golden Slipper hard luck stories.
The 2400m BMW is something different. Class stayers are ridden by top jocks and much more often the best horse will win.
Which is why Americain appeals at Rosehill today.
As good as a couple of runners are today in the A$2.2 million weight-for-age race, it's not unfair to describe Americain as the best in the field.
The Melbourne Cup winner was enormous in finishing second in the 2000m Australian Cup, beaten less than half a length by Manighar.
If you saw that finish you will not back anything to beat Americain today. He didn't flash home against Manighar, but he was relentless and would have won in two more strides.
The absolute key here is the additional 400m. At level weights Americain should be winning.
He will be reunited with his French Melbourne Cup-winning rider Gerald Mosse, who was his usual flash of dash when he jetted into Sydney this week.
Mosse is dedicated and focused when the barriers open, but before that, and after, he is the showman.
"I like putting on the show," said Mosse honestly mid-week. "The money comes later, first the show."
Expect some of that if Americain - the most magnificent thoroughbred you could find - gets over the line first today.
The two New Zealanders Mufhasa and He's Remarkable, are going to give a great sight in the A$400,000 1500m George Ryder Stakes.
It's a large field and Mufhasa is going to be out of trouble either in front or outside the leader, where he likes to be.
Unlike Mufhasa, He's Remarkable is badly off under the weight-for-age scale here, which sees him under 59kg. He will be much better off when he drops to a light weight in the Doncaster Handicap, but his effort here will declare where he is for that race.
Great betting races at Te Aroha's group one raceday this afternoon. Few have impressed as much as Rhythm Divine (No10, R7) in winning in the north lately. She was huge when getting out of trouble late at Ellerslie last start then flying at the line to score. The long Te Aroha straight will suit. Precious Time (No9) is a bit underrated.
Wet ground negates class - a line in betting that should always be remembered. It definitely brought Spinmyworld (No2, R6) undone at Tauranga last start. The up and comer held on for third to be beaten by less than one length, but it was only his class - he was struggling 300m out. On better footing today you can expect the real Spinmyworld to show up.
His stablemate Holy Moly (No10, R5) may not be the worst chance either. It is her first start since January, but she has won fresh in the past and was placed at the recent Te Awamutu barrier trials.
Cassie May (No4, R2) gave such a sight running her rivals off their feet to win clearly at Te Rapa last start that under the same weight she must be a chance to repeat, even though this is a stronger field. Saturn Rock (No3), So Wotif (No2) and Breaking Down (No1) are all very talented. Equal to the best race of the day.
Sophia's Dream (No2, R4) cost punters plenty when beaten at Ellerslie last start, but she was never travelling comfortably and that may have been because of the "off" track.
How James McDonald got her up for second only he would know. She is a classy mare and is worth another chance on better footing.
The $200,000 Breeders Stakes is a wonderful betting contest. Say No More (No9, R8), Fleur De Lune (No1), Lady Kipling (No8) and Fazzle (No3) are wonderful chances. Forget Say No More was beaten on a wet track last start at Tauranga and go here on her Thorndon Mile victory at Trentham. Fleur De Lune will look the winner at some stage of the home straight and Lady Kipling is probably the best each way value bet.
Arcenciel (No3, R9) is entitled to be favourite after her victory in ridiculously easy style at Tauranga last start. She is still at a reasonably good level in the weights here and can handle all types of footing. Remarkably, after 51 starts, local Back In Black (No1) will be having his first start on his home track. He is a chance with a 3kg allowance.
The Hombre's (No4, R10) class should kick in here. Don't forget his gallant second in the Railway and think how well most of these would fare in a Railway. Guessing (No13) is the best value runner.
