Efficient
The old grey Efficient gets into the 2011 $3m Group 1 W S Cox Plate (2040m) courtesy of the discretionary powers of the Moonee Valley Racing Club.
The 2007 Melbourne Cup winner has been a fabulous horse whose reputation would have undoubtedly been higher had it not been for injury.
A top notch three-year-old, Efficient won the Victoria Derby with a terrific burst at the end of 2500m.
2011 W S Cox Plate – Horse profile.
1 Efficient (barrier 5) 59kg
- Eight year old grey gelding
- Record: 22 starts 7 wins 0 second 0 third
- Winning distance range 1400m to 3200m
- Best win: 2007 Group 1 Melbourne Cup 3200m at Flemington
- Trainer: Robert Hickmott, Mt Macedon
- Jockey, Steven King.
- Latest price Luxbet $21.
He was installed early Melbourne Cup favourite for 2007 but his lead up form was thought to be patchy.
In truth Efficient only really started to warm up after he reached 2000m.
The shorter races and those at the distance never saw the best of him after his three-year-old days.
None of his lead up races to the 2007 Cup were above 2040m so when he got to the 3200m of the Melbourne Cup he finished powerfully to win.
That year he raced in the Cox Plate and finished 9th to El Segundo.
Since the spring of 2007, Efficient has only raced nine times due to injury and won once in the 2009 Turnbull Stakes (2000m).
After attempts to get him up for another Melbourne Cup, owner Lloyd Williams has realized the son of Zabeel could no longer stand such a tough preparation.
He has set him for the 2011 Cox Plate and Sandown Cup.
The question remains – can we see the best of Efficient over 2040 of the 2011 Cox Plate or does he need it longer?
One suspects it is the latter as seen by his last start.
Efficient was doing his best work in the final 200m in the Turnbull Stakes (2000m).
He was making ground but was never a winning hope.
Efficient is an all or nothing type of horse.
His record of seven wins and no placings tell you that.
Can he win the 2011 Cox Plate?
The predicted quick pace of the this Cox Plate will suit him.
At 2040m the answer is probably no, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he is one of the best runs in the race all the same.
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