Caulfield Guineas / Dafydd Lewis / 15 June 2009 / Leave a comment Bet Now

The Caulfield Guineas has always been the race where fans obtain a glimpse of future champions.

It was first run in 1881 when Wheatear defeated Royal Maid and Topaz and since then has been a highlight of the spring calendar. Some of the best horses to race in Australia have won or placed in this time honoured event and below is a overview of careers of champions to have won and other sensations surrounding the race.

Recently inducted into the Australian Hall of Fame Heroic was successful in 1924. Heroic was also known for his occasional 'tantrums' which cost him in several races and this was attributed at the time to his inbred pedigree where his sire and dam had the same grandsire. Sold through the 1923 he went for the high price of 1800 guineas to Jack Corteen. Heroic showed ability from the start and overcame an eye problem to easily win the Breeders Stakes. Taken to Melbourne he stormed home to run a close second in the Debutante stakes before returning to the winning list in the Gwyn Nursery a week later. To complete his first preparation he bolted away to win the Maribyrnong Plate at Flemington.

His first start in the Autumn was against the older horses in the Oakleigh Plate. It was in this race he first showed the problems to follow when he jumped slowly and refused to race truly in the crowded field finishing well back in the 31 horse field. Back to 2yo company burdened with 64.5kg he won by a neck setting a weight carrying record. He was then sent out favourite in the VRC Sires Produce but played up at the start missing the start badly and although he hit the front in the straight weakened to run second. Heroic backed up five days later in the Ascot Vale Stakes and defeated future iron horse Fujisan by 1 ½ lengths.

Sent to the Sydney carnival he lined up for the AJC Sires Produce but as the field jumped Heroic just stood there. The field had gone 200m before Heroic finally consented to move and ambled after the field looking around all the way to the line. Less than two weeks later back to his best he won the Champagne Stakes in record time.

Returning as a 3yo Heroic again refused to race in the Warwick Stakes then ran an Australian record in defeating Gloaming in the Chelmsford Stakes. In the AJC Derby he settled in second behind the tearaway leader and took the lead around the home turn. Nigger Minstrel and Spearfelt gave chase and the three colts went stride for stride to the line with Heroic holding on from Nigger Minstrel and Spearfelt. A week later Heroic was in Melbourne for the Caulfield Guineas. The huge drop in distance made no difference as Heroic won by three lengths from Versine and Sir Dighlock. Heroic was then favourite for the VRC Derby but his owner was disqualified after an inquiry into the Caulfield Cup. This resulted in the horses being banned until sold. Heroic was sold for 16,000 guineas, a record price, at auction to Charles Kellow and went to the stables of Jack Holt.

His won his fourth race the Autumn Stakes for his new connections and to that stage had perfect raceday manners. Starting favourite in the All Aged Stakes Heroic turning on a bucking display and took no part in the race. Sent out later that day for the Cumberland Stakes he again refused to jump with the field and finally gave chase but was a long way behind them past the post.