Consistent San Diego Just Misses
A courageous effort from San Diego almost earned him the ultimate reward, but he had to settle for second in the G3, 1400m Guvera Stakes at Flemington on Saturday, October 31.
A courageous effort from San Diego almost earned him the ultimate reward, but he had to settle for second in the G3, 1400m Guvera Stakes at Flemington on Saturday, October 31.
San Diego (John O'Shea/James McDonald) staged a battle with Disposition for the length of the Flemington straight and was still in for the fight when the post was reached.
Despite the encouragement of James McDonald, San Diego finished a half-neck behind Disposition with a wide distance to the third placegetter Hosting.
Ridden in a comfortable position in midfield for the first 1000m, San Diego gained an inside run approaching the entrance to the straight that allowed him make up a quick four lengths.
But no sooner had he gained an advantage than Disposition appeared on his inside and the two staged a classic duel.
"He was very game, he never gave in," McDonald said.
"I thought he was going get back at the other horse but he just failed."
O'Shea was full of praise for both horse and rider, but suggested the inside run that took San Diego to the lead might have opened up too soon.
"I think he just got to the front a bit too early," O'Shea said.
"But he had to take the run when it was there, it just meant he was left in front for a long time."
O'Shea will consider another run for the son of Exceed And Excel over the remainder of the Flemington meeting.
