A quarter of a century ago, TIERCE, subsequently contentiously, appropriated the Sires’ on his Triple Crown romp.

The Sires’ Produce has long been a discomfiting assignment for the Slipper runoff. Different course, different distance, and often a stop-start tempo.

And, in TIERCE’s day, with a purse a mere ten-per-cent of its meretricious forbear.

Nevertheless, of the ensuing 14 renewals, 12 victors emanated from the Slipper, with VISCOUNT the only unplaced Slipper contestant.

The contemporary Sires carries nearly treble the prizemoney of its antecedent relative to the Slipper, yet of the past ten runnings, only 4 Sires’ winners have even contested the illustrious lead-up.

And again, the past decade has seen only 4 Golden Slipper winners tread the Triple Crown path by proceeding to Derby Day.

Interrogation of Sires’ winners form characteristics back to 2003 is made possible by a marvellous data resource at http://www.racingandsports.com.au/en/breeding-groups.asp?gpage=summary

Of the 13 winners, only three lined up with fewer than 4 career starts, two of which had their runs well spaced.

Today’s renewal comprises 3 slipper runners, while fewer than half the field have had 4 or more career starts.

TELPERION fits the classic mould, attacking the line in the slipper. His preparation seems ideally seasoned, 4th-up into today’s race.

@justideal