The United States OK to back up in Emirates Stakes

Owner Lloyd Williams has given The United States a clean bill of health to back up in the Group 1 $2m Emirates Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday.

The United States, above, is good to back up in the Emirates Stakes at Flemington. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

The United States, above, is good to back up in the Emirates Stakes at Flemington. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

The United States will be saddling up for the third Saturday in a row in the weight for age Emirates Stakes, previously known as the Mackinnon Stakes, and Williams is giving him a great chance to win another Group 1 in a very competitive race.

“He’s run on the last two Saturdays, but gee he looks good,” Williams told RSN’ Racing Ahead.

“It’s a proper race. James Cummings’ three-year-old (Good Standing) and I’ve got a good opinion of Vadamos. I think he’s a good horse. There’s a few good horses in that race, (but) if you like (The United States), there’s nothing wrong with him.”

The United States has been installed the $4.20 favourite for the Emirates Stakes with Ladbrokes.com.au just ahead of French visitor Vadamos at $4.50 and the Godolphin owned Scottish at $5 while the James Cummings trained three year old Good Standing is listed as a $12 chance.

The United States proved to be a genuine weight for age performer with a win in the Group 1 $700,000 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill during the Sydney Autumn Carnival before running second to Lucia Valentina in the  Group 1 $4m Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on the second day of ‘The Championships’.

The United States kicked off his Spring Carnival campaign with a sixth to Awesome Rock in the Group 2 $250,000 Dato’ Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on September 3 followed by a win in the Group 2 $200,000 Schweppes Crystal Mile (1600m) at Moonee Valley on October 22.

Trainer Robert Hickmott then backed up the Irish import the following week on Derby Day when he was a very unlucky fourth behind Le Romain in the Group 1 $1m Cantala Stakes (1600m) at Flemington when Steven Arnold ran into a dead end in the early stages of the straight before flashing home to be beaten a length and a quarter.

Jockey Kerrin McEvoy, who combined with Williams and Hickmott to win the Group 1 $6m Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington last Tuesday on Almandin, is back aboard The United States after winning the Crystal Mile on him.

The United States has drawn barrier eleven in the thirteen horse Emirates Stakes field.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.