The $600,000, Group I, 2(x)ist Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday might not have had a capacity field like the other features on the Australian Jockey Club`s second Spring Carnival Day, but the quality of the race itself was outstanding.

Racing To Win was the expected race favourite and deserved the position, but Desert War was running for his third consecutive Epsom win and he had outstanding lead up form.

Both jumped well from the barrier with Larry Cassidy taking up the leading role on Desert War with Glen Boss on Racing To Win settling back in fifth, but not too far back to loose site of the strong Desert War bowling along in front.

Approaching the 600m Cassidy applied the blow torch, but Boss was moving Racing To Win closer, moving three wide around Flaming and Polar Bear (GB) as they swung for the main straight.

Desert War was still in front at the 300, but with each stride Racing To Win closed. It was, however, still not a done deal and Boss had to really ask the question as they headed for the 100m mark.

The grey smoothly increased his pace as he saw that Desert War was not slackening, and weakening. For a brief moment there was a question of Racing To Win not reaching Desert War, but it was brief. The four-year-old Encosta de Lago gelding is an exceptional athlete and it is only when it gets very hard that the quality of a win belies the ability required to reach it.

Racing To Win won by a half-neck from a very brave Desert War (Desert King), with Malcom (Snippets) third 1 1/2L back. The time was 1.35.06, the final 600m in 35.20. Polar Bear was fourth and Regal Cheer fifth. Racing To Win paid $1.70 on the NSW TAB.

Racing To Win`s trainer John O`Shea gave a sign of relief the moment his charge went across the line and Boss started his celebrations.

"A great race. I am very happy with that as he was made to work today," said O`Shea.

"He rode him an absolute treat, a great ride.

"I hope to get him to the Cox Plate in one piece, but he will enjoy his three weeks off and he will be fresh for the race.

"He raced a bit dour today indicating that he is wanting the Cox Plate distance. He is at his peak now and he just needs ticking over," he said.

"Outstanding," said Waterhouse.

"You do not mind when they race like that," she added, quite satisfied with Desert War`s gallant performance.

"He puts himself in the race and he gives a special feel this horse," said Boss who worked an appreciative crowd then entire way back to the mounting yard.

"It was a good sign today as he had to come out and fight today. It was a good sign for the Cox Plate," he added throwing down the challenge to the other Tattersalls Cox Plate contenders.

Racing To Win, by Encosta de Lago out of the Kenny`s Best Pal mare Surrealist, has now won nine races from 13 starts, and this was Group I win number four. With four second places he has earned stakes of $2,827,785 for owners Trevor Stuckey and partner Pam Yan.

The final word to Racing NSW chief steward Ray Murrihy who commented, "History will judge very kindly these two horses."

ThoroughbredNEWS