Think About It too strong for rivals in Kingsford Smith Cup
It’s a first-time Group 1 success for Think About It, taking out the Kingsford Smith Cup on Saturday afternoon at Eagle Farm.
The son of So You Think just continues his model of consistency remaining undefeated since resuming in the new year, with this now being his sixth win on the trot.
It’s been a meteoric rise as a four-year-old from the Joseph Pride barn, now resulting in Group 1 glory and doing so in stylish fashion, while also ticking the weight-for-age box in the process.
Jockey Sam Clipperton has been a big part of this horse’s maturing this campaign, taking the reins on all six occasions to score victories.
It was another classy steer from Clipperton, producing a ‘no panic’ ride when finding himself cast three-wide the entire trip and Vilana unable to take him into the race.
His mount still stormed down the middle of the course and was able to kick clear, hanging on from a game Rothfire and Converge sneaking rails runs almost spoiling the party for favourite backers.
It’s full steam ahead now for Think About It, with all signs pointing to the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap – where he is now a firm $3.50 favourite with online bookmakers.
2023 Kingsford Smith Cup Replay – Think About It
Trainer Joseph Pride spoke post-race about the performance of Think About It, while also sparing a thought for his stable warhorse Eduardo who faded out of the contest.
“It’s hard watching a race like that because I had Eduardo fading out at the end and sort of mixed emotions,” said Pride.
“But we will let the dust settle and see how he pulls up.
“But this horse (Think About It) here is just going from strength to strength.
“Wow what a performance. He sat three deep. He got a bit of cover but he was exposed and had to get past a proper horse in Rothfire.
“He took care of that and he was strong through the line. You’d think 1400m will be no problems for him in a couple of weeks’ time.
“Somewhere in that field you probably have (seen the Stradbroke winner) and let’s hope it’s Think About It.”
Jockey Sam Clipperton was overjoyed with the win, giving full credit to the horse before confirming his intentions of taking the reins once more this preparation in the Stradbroke.
“He’s the sort of horse that we get out of bed for,” said Clipperton.
“I’m a bit speechless.
“He potentially could do wonders for my career, and I’ve just won a Group One on him so he has already done wonders for my career, but he’s just got so much untapped ability.
“He drops five kilos, I think he gets 54kgs in the Stradbroke.
“Not often Group One weight-for-age races are used as progression to a handicap and he’s just ticked off a big Group One weight-for-age race with plenty of old, hard-headed, weight-for-age horses in that field.”