"I've got chills, they're multiplyin'" went the original Newton-John/Travolta song. Well it may have been showery and cold in Melbourne but the only thing multiplying for I Got Chills at Moonee Valley today was prizemoney after a 7 length whitewash of the opposition in the Tatt's Stks (L/R) over 1000m. The 2yo bay filly by General Nediym ex Tidfish (by Imperial Prince (IRE)) added another black type winner to David Hayes' impressive training performance since he returned from Hong Kong. The filly is owned by a few of the rich and famous amongst us as well - names including Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum and Olivia Newton-John (hence the filly's name). I Got Chills has now had 2 starts for 2 wins and the ease with which she has found the line on both occasions appears to suggest she is destined for a promising future.
In the Mornmoot Stud Stakes (L/R) Brockman's Lass (a 3yo chestnut filly by Encosta De Lago ex Deal Me Out (by Final Card) - who races in the same colours as Alinghi) won by just shy of 3 lengths, giving Lee Freedman his first of 3 winners for the day.
The Inglis Mile (G3) over 1600m saw Matras (a 4yo bay mare by Zabeel (NZ ) ex Tropical Affair (by Danehill (USA)) in the winner's circle for Gooree Pastoral Company (this being the mare's 6th win from 8 starts). In the Schweppes Stakes (Gr 2) over 1000m, the 3 yo grey filly Virage de Fortune (by Anabaa (USA) ex Virage (by Kenmare[Fr])) gave Sunshine Coast trainer Bruce McLachlan, and connections, another victory - this her seventh win from just 10 starts. The race also gave Craig Williams his second win for the day (which rose to 3 when he won the Waterford Crystal Mile (G2) on Niconero [a 4yo bay gelding by Danzero - Nicola Lass (by Scenic(IRE))] later in the day ... another winner for David Hayes).
Meanwhile, in the feature event of the day, the $3.025m Carlton Draught W S Cox Plate (Gr 1) the mighty mare - Makybe Diva - lived up to hype and expectation and made history by winning the Cox Plate with consummate ease. Starting favorite, the mare settled well back in the field but 800m from home when Fields of Omagh, Xcellent and Confectioner made an early run, 'The Diva' went with them, 4 wide on the turn and 5 horses stretching across the track as they headed for the line. A mare that will be remembered as one of Australia's all time greats, she took the lead 100m out and never seemed pushed at any stage of the proceedings, winning by a length and a quarter. Lotteria took second, Fields of Omagh and Sky Cuddle third and fourth respectively.
The win is Makybe's 6th at Group 1 level (her 14th win in total) and adds to her dual victories in the Melbourne Cups of 2003 and 2004. After today's win her prize money of $11,426,685 exceeds Sunline's earnings of $11,351,607 - Makybe Diva thus becoming the highest stakes money earner in Australasian history.
It sounds like there will be a few people this evening raising their glasses to the fairer sex and singing "You're the one that I want ..." (I'll leave you to sing the chorus ... go on, I know you want to).
Photo: Makybe Diva post Cox Plate win (photo courtesy of MVRC).
