What you need to know about Group 1 Underwood

September 27, 2019 10:19 pm.

Homesman and Black Heart Bart (pictured) are both aiming to become the first horses since Northerly in 2001 and 2002 to win the race twice

UNDERWOOD STAKES

HISTORY

* First run in 1924 when won by Whittier

NOTABLE WINNERS

* Waitangirua and My Brown Jug dead-heated for first in 1980

TALKING POINTS

The winner of the Underwood is eligible for a $1 million bonus if they go on to win this year’s $5 million Cox Plate at The Valley
Last year’s winner Homesman and 2016 winner Black Heart Bart are both aiming to become the first horses since Northerly in 2001 and 2002 to win the race twice
The Chosen One’s co-trainer Murray Baker is aiming for his fifth Underwood victory having won with Bonneval (2017), It’s A Dundeel (2013), Lion Tamer (2011), The Phantom (1990)
West Australian gelding Gatting will be chasing a second-consecutive Group One win after his upset victory over Mystic Journey in the Makybe Diva Stakes
Of the 13 runners, 10 are Group One winners with only Yucatan, Super Titus and The Chosen One yet to win at the highest level

WHAT THE KEY PLAYERS ARE SAYING:

“The Underwood this year is looking like a race that will suit him and give him a great chance to add another Group One to a truly great record” – Hartnell’s trainer James Cummings
“I think we will see a better performance on Sunday” – Humidor’s co-trainer David Eustace
“I thought it was a pass mark at The Valley and hopefully she can improve going up in trip” – Eustace on Kenedna
“He’ll certainly be a couple of lengths better off for having that run, but I think he’s still a run away from going to the races with a little bit of confidence of giving the race a shake” – Gailo Chop’s trainer Matthew Williams
“He over-raced last start and I thought backing him up over 1800 metres with a faster tempo would be good” – Lindsay Park co-trainer David Hayes on Super Titus

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