Think class

By Alan Conway

The shadow of So You Think will once again dominate the Curragh landscape this weekend when he lines up for his first shot at Group 1 glory in the Tattersalls Gold Cup on Sunday afternoon. Despite the absence of the Derby and Arc hero Workforce all eyes will be on the Curragh regardless as So You Think will try and add even more lustre to his already amazing career.

So You Think burst onto the European racing scene last month when he debuted in the Mooresbridge Stakes at the Curragh. Visually it was a deeply impressive display and confirmed what a richly talented horse this is.

But the story of So You Think goes far beyond this weekend at the Curragh. This is a horse that captured a nation and caused heartbreak when he was sold. He was bred in New Zealand and was by the Coolmore sire and dual Derby winner High Chaparral who was sent Down Under after failing to inspire with his first European crop of runners. His dam was Triassic who was related to some high class runners down the years.

As a three year old So You Think won two out of his four starts before he tackled the prestigious Cox Plate which ranks only second to the Melbourne Cup in prestige terms. It’s generally considered that you need a horse with experience to win the Cox Plate. So You Think was discounted because of his lack of experience.

He proved the doubters wrong with a victory from the front in a very quick time. It propelled him into superstar status. He captured another Group 1 on his next start which added to his lustre. It was however what he did in his four year old career that captured people’s attention not least the people at Coolmore.

After winning another two Group 1 races he did what few horses achieve when he won the Cox Plate for a second year in a row. He became the youngest horse in history to win back to back runnings of the Cox Plate.

Even more remarkably he would win yet another Group 1 race just a week later. Following that win he was sent off red hot favourite for the Melbourne Cup where he ran a huge race to finish third. That race prompted Coolmore to pay a reputed Aus$25 million for a majority stake in the horse. His trainer Bart Cummings was distraught saying ““I think it’s a great tragedy for racing. People love this horse.”

One of the major reasons for Coolmore purchasing So You Think is for his breeding career. He is the most successful son of High Chaparral and if he were to win one or two of the best Group 1’s in Europe like the King George or the Arc his value as a stallion would double or even triple.

No matter who turns up to face So You Think they will have their work cut out to stop him landing his first Group 1 in Europe. Punters who go to the Curragh this Sunday will be treated to something special. It could be the start of a very special summer for So You Think and his new connections.

By Alan Conway