THE reputations of some of the country’s best three-year-olds were left dented when under-rated Starspangledbanner scored an upset win in the $1 million Group 1 Caulfield Guineas on Saturday.
Written off as being suspect at the mile journey, Starspangledbanner, $13, responded to a brilliant front-running ride from Dan Nikolic, to score by almost three lengths from Carrara, $19. Manhattan Rain, $9, was third.
“He was unlucky in the Prelude but today was his day,” said Nikolic, who scored his biggest win since returning from an aborted riding stint in Mauritius.Starspangledbanner left in his wake the three stars of the field, Denman, the $3.10 favorite, which finished seventh; the brilliant Trusting (eighth) and So You Think (fifth).
“This horse is the best three-year-old in Australia,” an excited stable manager, Troy Corstens, declared after the win. “No-one except us thought he’d run out the distance but he certainly did.
“It’s great for all his owners. We’ve got all sorts of people in him from tradesmen to millionaires
Carrara chased Starspangledbanner all the way Manhattan Rain was given every chance by jockey Blake Shinn before winding up third.
Denman was caught wide in the early and middle stages and despite looming soon after straightening was quickly under pressure. So You Think and Trusting got too far out of their ground with So You Think making some ground.
“I watched everything unfold and I was giggling at the 600ms but the leaders just kept going,” said Michael Rodd, who rode So You Think.
Trusting was found to be lame in the near hind leg after the Guineas. Trainer John Thompson said the colt would be spelled immediately.
Starspangledbanner has 31 owners, headed by Brad Spicer. who admitted to being a bit worried when Nikolic opened up such a big early lead. “But obviously Danny knew what was under him.”
