While it was a shame to see some outstanding performers struggling in the conditions, the $4,000,000 Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick proved an epic duel between Think It Over and Zaaki (GB).
Think It Over became the second Group 1 winner for So You Think in 40 minutes after the imported Knights Order (IRE) brained them in the Sydney Cup.
Under an enterprising ride by Nash Rawiller, the Kerry Parker-trained gelding swept down the outside fence to defeat Zaaki (GB) by a half-length with third-placed Mount Popa (IRE) a further three and three-quarter lengths back in third.
It was a second win at the highest level for Think It Over, advancing his record to 12 wins, seven seconds, and four thirds, with earnings of $6,144,570.
“Our plan was to go forward, and I didn’t care if he snuck away at the 1000m,” Parker revealed.
“But Nash had gone to the inside on one earlier and went ‘yeah it’s no good there.’ So we thought we’d go to the outside this time, and what a thrill.”
“Going to the outside that was Nash on his own. But the plan was always to make sure this was genuinely run.
“My only option was to go out there positive and let the horse do the work and just rely on his guts and will to win.
“It’s just a little bit better on the outside. We are very proud of him, it’s just sensational.
“We come here today, I said to the guys ‘we haven’t given up the ghost just because it’s wet and we can’t win.’ We know this horse tries so hard, and so does Nash, and just the team is overwhelmed.”
A homebred for Richard Johnston’s Bylong Park, Think It Over started his career with John Sargent.
He is by some distance the best of four winners from as many to race from the unraced Zabeel mare Personal Service.
A half-sister to 4-time Group 1 winner Universal Prince and Group 1 winner Universal Queen, and to the dam of Group I ATC Coolmore Classic winner Krone, Personal Service has a yearling colt by Exosphere and was covered by So You Think last spring.
