Verdad Falls Short Again as Kettle Hill Claims VictoryImage Credit: Getty Images
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Verdad Falls Short Again as Kettle Hill Claims Victory

After another near miss, Verdad's quest for victory continues as Kettle Hill, the unexpected outsider, seizes the day in a breathtaking finish at Flemington, reminding us that surprises often steal the spotlight in horse racing.

Verdad’s established reputation as a consistent runner-up was solidified once again on VRC Crown Oaks Day at Flemington, as the in-form James McDonald failed to guide the much-anticipated favorite to victory in the Off the Track Plate. Following a strong start, Verdad charged ahead with just 200 meters remaining, prompting punters and analysts to believe that this might finally be the moment the horse achieved success. The TAB had reduced odds to as low as $2.50, with an influx of hopeful bets elevating Verdad to the forefront of the betting market.

Nevertheless, the excitement leading up to the race swiftly turned into deep disappointment. The commentators from Nine expressed caution regarding the horse's low odds, with Grace Ramage questioning whether the bettors' confidence in a horse that had regrettably earned the nickname 'bridesmaid' would actually pay off. As the race drew to a close, it became evident that Verdad would not secure the win, as the underdog Kettle Hill, ridden by Declan Bates, surged ahead of the favorite to take the victory in a captivating finish.

Verdad has now placed second in five straight races, creating a disheartening trend for bettors who consistently supported the horse, only to receive no payout. The rising frustration was evident as Verdad once again fell short when it was crucial. For Declan Bates, the win was especially gratifying, occurring just a day after he was bypassed by the connections of Group 1 winner Pride of Jenni for this weekend's Champions Mile at Flemington.

Bates, who acknowledged that the recent snub had been on his mind, was keen to move past it and was excited to demonstrate his abilities in the Off the Track Plate. “It was an ideal race for him, but he’s the kind of horse you can’t completely depend on—you need a few things to go your way,” Bates shared with Nine’s Billy Slater after the race. “He settled reasonably well today—he can sometimes get a bit too eager, but everything fell into place. You almost need to have him held back at times and then make that one strong move. When that happened, he really finished strongly to secure the victory.”

Trainer Ciaron Maher quickly commended Bates for his strategic riding as well as Kettle Hill’s impressive performance. Maher, renowned for his skill in getting the best out of his horses, remarked that Kettle Hill's triumph came despite the horse being largely overlooked by bettors, a scenario that often brings out his strongest performances. “When no one betting on the entire racecourse has placed a dollar on him, that’s when he truly excels,” Maher explained to Nine’s Tony Jones. “He requires that kind of ride. He needs to come from behind the pack. He performed exceptionally well the other day, and Dec rode him brilliantly.

You need to keep him in reserve and bring him out at the right moment. He has a lot of talent, but he can be challenging to get the best performance from.” As Verdad's story continues to raise doubts about the horse's ability to fulfill its potential, Kettle Hill’s victory serves as a reminder that in horse racing, it's often the underdog that makes the biggest impact when it matters most. For trainer Maher, this victory added another highlight to his already remarkable Cup week, while Bates’s confidence was revitalized as he approaches the feature races for the weekend.

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An economist by training, Priya transitioned into sports journalism, bringing her love for data and strategy. She specializes in global sports dynamics, especially in cricket and tennis.

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