Sydney Cup 2012 result - Niwot wins
The Hawkes Racing-trained Niwot has defied a gallant Efficient to win Saturday’s Group I Sydney Cup (3200m) in epic circumstances at Randwick.
Niwot’s last 3200-metre run resulted in an eighth behind Dunaden in last year’s Melbourne Cup while Efficient’s last attempt at the gruelling staying trip saw him win the 2007 Melbourne Cup.
Both gallopers settled in the second half of the field with Solid Billing setting a hot speed in front while the Gai Waterhouse-trained Once Were Wild tracked him.
Niwot’s jockey Dwayne Dunn said he was worried when he found himself "on the back of Permit, who was pulling”. Permit was restrained out of the race after throwing a shoe and injuring himself but Dunn navigated a path around him prior to that.
Dunn began to circle the field at the 800 metres, allowing Niwot plenty of room to make his run.
"I probably took the soft option when the field fanned. I could have gone back to the inside and got a run but I wanted him to get every chance,” Dunn said.
The son of Galileo hit the front at the 250 metres, taking over from Once Were Wild, but the nine-year-old grey Efficient had gained a clear run back towards the inside and began charging home.
Niwot staved off Efficient’s finishing burst to claim his first Group I victory with Once Were Wild battling on well for third.
It was an emotional victory for Hawkes Racing after Niwot shattered his knee in 2009 leaving his racing career in jeopardy.
"He’s not an easy horse to train. There was a lot of hard work early with him,” John Hawkes said.
"He’s always had a lot of ability and it’s nice to see him win a race like this.”
Dunn said Niwot’s win was a huge relief after finishing second at Group I level with All Too Hard in the Sires Produce and Rekindled Interest in the George Ryder.
"I keep running second all the time. I was happy to walk away and say it wasn’t my rides that was getting us beat,” Dunn added.
On-course betting: Niwot was friendless in betting, easing from $3.60 to $4.20 while Efficient eased from $12 to 414 before trimming up late to start $11. Once Were Wild eased from $26 to $31, Permit eased from $4 to $4.60 and Older Than Time eased from $6 to $10 before tightening back into $9.50. The on-course market closed at 111 percent.
Story: Nic Ashman RaceNet
Photo: www.sportpix.com.au