In the best comeback story of the season, David Hayes’ All American has won the $1 million Emirates Stakes giving Corey Brown his third Group One win for the week.
After an 18 race losing streak, All American stunned both bookmakers and punters after beating race favourite So You Think by two and a half lengths.
Bart Cummings’ three year old settled up the front too early and was unable to sit back in fourth or fifth position with cover.
Setting the pace too strong too early, the Glen Boss-ridden So You Think had nothing to give when All American charged up to the lead position.
It was obvious that Cummings was disappointed with Boss’ ride and the Cox Plate winner will now be spelled and then prepared for autumn with the Australian Cup and AJC Australian Derby as the main targets.
Settling midfield in the race, All American was stuck on the rails and it seemed as though he would once again become a victim of circumstances.
However coming into the straight the four year old got lucky to win .5 seconds off the course record with 1 minute 33.98 seconds.
After Nicconi’s devastating run in the Patinack Farm Classic, Hayes went from thinking his spring campaign was in tatters to being overjoyed.
This season the six-time Emirate Stakes winning trainer changed up the stallion’s training by making the horse go over jumps to sharpen him up.
All American has been a frustrating horse for David Hayes to train particularly when he would run the best sectionals at the Caulfield carnival but never win.
This win has now secured the Group One winner a promising future as a stallion when he retires to stud.
For Corey Brown, the Emirates Stakes marked his third win during the Flemington Carnival along with the Victoria Derby and the Melbourne Cup.
Having never ridden All American before Saturday’s race, Brown had to study his form prior to the race and although the jockey was a bit flat from all the week’s wins, he was back on a high and ready to race as he entered into the barrier gates.
The Mark Riley-trained Gold Salute finished third after blowing the start and settling near last to charge home late close behind So You Think.
As All American cannot cover any mares over the Christmas period, Hayes might send the Emirates Stakes winner to Perth for the Railway Stakes.
