The Punt Drunk team have began the tough task of compiling our list of the Top 10 Group 1 victories in 2022, dating back to the CF Orr Stakes in February, right through to the Northerly Stakes in early December. We do this in honour of the fast-approaching conclusion of 2022.
Today, on the brink of 2023 and a hopefully a winning year on the punt ahead, we reveal our podium for the best Group 1 wins of 2022.
Make sure to let us know in the comment section below what your Top 10 Group 1 victories of 2022 would be.
#3 Melbourne Cup – Gold Trip
A case could have been made that Gold Trip’s win in the 2022 Melbourne Cup was arguably the best of the year.
Coming into the race as the topweight, having won one race in his entire career and being narrowly pipped in the Caulfield Cup, he was always going to feature prominently with right ride.
He got just that from Mark Zahra, who features twice in our top three. Having settled midfield, Zahra had Gold Trip weaving his way through the field as the pace went into the race and despite being left in front a long way out, the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained fended off the fast-finishing Emissary and etched his name into racing folklore.
The result was made even more remarkable, as he joined an elite list of stayers who competed in the Melbourne “big three” races (Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate & Melbourne Cup) throughout the spring carnival.
He will be back in the autumn and his trainers expect him to improve even further.
#2 Doncaster Mile – Mr Brightside
The Doncaster Mile has been around since Noah was a boy.
The Hayes family have been involved in racing since Noah was a boy.
In the 2022 Doncaster Mile, Ben & JD Hayes gained their biggest achievement as a training partnership when their superstar miler Mr Brightside claimed an outstanding victory in the race.
Despite needing to travel wide for most of the trip, Craig Williams looked pretty confident throughout that he had a lapful of horse when he needed to ask for an effort.
Despite market fancy I’m Thunderstruck overtaking him on the home turn, fellow Victorian Mr Brightside managed to sprint the better inside the final furlong and handed trainers Ben & JD Hayes their first Group 1 success as a training partnership.
The win almost has to be seen to be believe, but it is a victory that will live on for quite some time at Lindsey Park.
#1 Makybe Diva Stakes – I’m Thunderstruck
Speaking of wins that need to be seen to believed…
I’m Thunderstruck roared into Cox Plate calculations when storming home over the top of subsequent Group 1 winner in the Makybe Diva Stakes.
The Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr-trained superstar flashed home for second in the Memsie Stakes first-up and it looked destined to be a similar story for I’m Thunderstruck in the Makybe Diva when Alligator Blood kicked for home inside the final furlong.
However, aided by an inch-perfect steer from Mark Zahra out of barrier one, I’m Thunderstruck thundered home late to claim victory by the barest of margins.
The win was capped off my yet another perfect call from Matt Hill who summed up the finish perfectly:
“I’m Thunderstruck over the top, rumbling hard…..and got up!”
With that, a nation roared as favourite backers rejoiced!
It has certainly been a year with many ups and downs, but the one constant has been the racing throughout 2022. We have enjoyed bringing you a left field view of what has gone on in the world of racing and we will continue to do so in 2023!
The team at Punt Drunk and Horsebetting, wish you and your family a very Happy New Year.
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Welcome to Punt Drunk – our daily column covering all the latest horse racing and punting controversies, dramas and headline news. Have a story or gripe or issue that just grinds your gears? Just hit us up in the comments or contact us page and our jaded, punt hardened Punt Drunk staff will give it the Punt Drunk treatment it deserves. Don’t expect pleasantries or typical racing media fanboy gloss from Punt Drunk – we’re on the punt and we don’t have time to bullshit; the next is about to jump…
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