Simply the Best result as long-range plan delivers more Melbourne glory

Saeed bin Suroor said Saturday’s G1 Caulfield Cup triumph in Melbourne had been the result of a plan hatched in Dubai over nine months ago.

Saeed, sending out his second winner of the historic A$5 million handicap, recalled how a conversation with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed had set in motion the strategy to find the right horses to target Australia’s big races this year.

All along, Saeed felt two horses stood out — Best Solution, who justified his selection by admirably toughing it out in a gripping finish to Saturday’s mile-and-a-half contest, and Benbatl, who will take on Winx in Saturday’s G1 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.

“But we knew that they first had to show improvement in Europe before we could send them,” he pointed out.

Saeed also said that pinpointing suitable races to improve and develop the necessary talent was difficult, which is why he turned to the German program book.

“Germany provides slightly more relaxed racing, which is perfect for developing a horse’s confidence and bringing him on,” he explained.

“Also, the timing is important, being able to give them the proper break between races. Best Solution has improved and thrived all year, and he has come out of his Caulfield Cup win in great shape. He is looking good,” the trainer added.

The next question to be answered is whether Best Solution, who carried topweight of 57.5kg (9st 1lb), is to be penalised for the G1 Melbourne Cup.

Under the system operating in Melbourne, penalties for the two biggest handicaps are discretionary. They are decided by Handicapper Greg Carpenter, who also has the option of not imposing any penalty at all.

Pat Cosgrave, who rode an inspired race, retains the ride on Best Solution in the Melbourne Cup.