Analysis:

Arguably the most interesting Gold Cup since it's inception, and undoubtedly one of the finest fields, compliments of the presence of two major North American stakes winner featuring against the island's finest. The form held true (for the most part), and the lion's share of the spoils went to Canada's classy 2009 Connaught Cup winner STERWINS, who swooped late under that country's leading jockey Barbadian Patrick Husbands. In his customary laid back running style, the grey/roan gelding rallied from well back to catch another high-class North American entrant at the death in the nine furlong test of champions. He'd been campaigning with reasonable success in major stakes throughout his career, with the most recent notable effort being a close third to Champion mare Ventura in last October's record-breaking Woodbine Mile. Despite this, he was still sent off at a generous 3/1 in the betting, perhaps reflecting the doubts circulating before about his running style's usual ineffectiveness on the tight Garrison circuit. That was quickly proven to be less troubling than first thought when the Canadian was still cruising a bit more than a furlong out, with all others flat to the board. Husbands lost his whip just after the furlong marker, but clearly had little use for it as his fellow's sharp final panel was enough to hack into Bribon's lead and assure victory in the Eastern Caribbean's most prestigious race. Although the finish was close, it was clear that the winner had plenty in hand; the ease with which he won was almost embarrassing and painful as it was impressive. This was certainly jockey Husbands highlight on the day, having earlier lifted one of the other two Stakes on the card. He returned to the winner's row in absolute jubilation, continuing the celebrations he started as much as four or five strides before the line. Also to note, the win elevated the Eugene & Laura Melnyk to the ranks of "equine millionaire", an accolade earned by so few. 2009 Grade 1 Metropolitan Handicap ("Met Mile") winner Bribon represented his new connections respectably, and truly ran like the North American Grade 1 horse he is. He too came in here off fine form, with quality efforts in his last five starts (including three Grade 1's and a Grade 3) among some of the best company in North America. His worst run in that period was a fifth in the aforementioned Woodbine Mile, a "short-head" behind STERWINS; and so again going under by a narrow margin to that horse in a Grade 1. After surging past long-time leader Apostle, Irish Champion jockey Johnny Murtagh handed the chestnut the full treatment once straightening up and he pulled well clear of that horse. The son of Mark Of Esteem wasn't stopping but, unfortunate for him, the winner still had a furlong to uncoil and a clear path through which to do it. His effort may've been inadequate for the win here, but he clearly ran to a level consistent with his most recent form and should continue to do well when back in his homeland. Creole Champion Apostle is due many superlatives for his game showing against these invaders, and deservingly returned to the unsaddling area to a rousing round of applause. The front-running chestnut had most of them off their feet from very early in the contest, and was simply outclassed by millions of US dollars in horse flesh. Having to work a bit more than normal for the early lead didn't help either, but it served to give an indication of the creole's toughness as he was the only horse that raced prominently from the gate, to last the nine furlongs with any pleasing degree of fight still left in them. John Brian too deserves some praise, turning up today in a big way at a trip over which he hasn't been highly successful. In fact it was only in this race two years go, that the colt showed any signs of ability to handle the distance. He'll probably continue his campaign for another year before retirement, and could finally win winner's row again soon if he can reproduce a similar effort and not be the rogue he's thought to be. Bad Action was the third American import for the race, and also had decent form behind him. Not of the same calibre as the other two, he didn't have much to say in the outcome due to traffic problems, but found a change of place late to claim a few scalps. Spicey Tiger was something of a surprise to finish where he did, though still hindered by the necessary acceleration he lacks. Triple Crown winner Areutalkintome's seventh place finish should in all fairness be written off as he'd been handled quite violently by the opposition when jostling for position on multiple occasions; the last straw being an inadvertent denial of a clear run when the chips were thrown down two furlongs out. All in all, a race that screams "horse racing at it's best" and a pleasing result for most despite the fact that the prize will be shipped north in a few days. Now in it's 29th year, the prestigious Gold Cup seems quite likely to maintain its international Group 1 status for a little while yet (despite the relatively small purse), with other high-class entries likely to follow these North Americans to local shores. One thing's for certain, local owners, breeders and buyers now have a clear means of determining what is now required  to win this event, and should now refocus to lift the standard of racing (and breeding) in the country in order to be competitive at this level.   [ROG]