As we leave behind an impressive grand final weekend, horse racing takes centre stage for the first time in 2015 with the Guineas meeting at Caulfield this Saturday.
In readiness for the big races ahead, Racing Victoria released the latest acceptances for the Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate.
There are 36 horses left in the Cox Plate at third acceptances, 20 of which are Group 1 winners. Another three (Arod, Gailo Chop and The Cleaner) are Group 2 winners that have beaten the ballot.
As we enter the last realistic race meeting where horses can prove their wares prior to the big dance, we will take a look into where each horse stands in the ‘power ranking’ pecking order.
1. Kermadec 4h (Chris Waller, $4.60)
Had an impressive win in the George Main, and two of the beaten brigade (Royal Descent and Hauraki) have ran well since. Caulfield Stakes (2000m) this Saturday could determine his final power ranking leading up to the Cox Plate.
2. Highland Reel 4h (Aidan O’Brien, $8.50)
Stocks have risen even further with Golden Horn winning the Arc. Was competitive with him in an Irish Champion previously. Has the staying credentials to win in a tough finish. Arguably a better horse than Adelaide.
3. Winx 4m (Chris Waller, $6.50)
Flying mare who has turned the corner her last few starts with some breathtaking victories. Taking on better opposition here, but she may be something out of the box. The x-factor.
4. Fawkner 8g (Robert Hickmott, $7.50)
The benchmark of the Australian brigade. There is a sense of timing with this tough eight-year-old. Ridden slightly more patient in last year’s Cox Plate, he probably wins. Will be in the finish.
5. Criterion 5h (Hayes/Dabernig, $13.00)
Barely any press about this horse lately which is surprising. Performed admirably against better horses in the UK. If Moonee Valley strikes an unexpected downpour in the week leading up to the race, this horse will be favourite. Caulfield Stakes run (trainer has kept him fresh) could give a better insight into how the horse is coming along.
6. Preferment 4h (Chris Waller, $11.00)
I would have laughed at you if you said I’d rate him this highly a month ago, but this improving Zabeel stallion has gone from strength to strength ever since. Still has to find lengths to be winning a Cox Plate, but the way he is tracking, he may throw up a surprise.
7. Gailo Chop 5g (Antoine de Watrigant, $17.00)
Unsure on his credentials to be guaranteed a Cox Plate start, but he was a very impressive Group 3 winner in France recently, lifting his ranking. Sure to be competitive.
8. The Cleaner 8g (Mick Burles, $15.00)
Endured a horror run in the Cox Plate last year and was only beaten three lengths. He’ll be somewhere fighting out the finish. Moonee Valley champ.
9. Press Statement 3c (Chris Waller, $15.00)
Has the scope to run in a field like this. Should he win a Caulfield Guineas, he will be very popular with punters.
10. Arod 5h (Peter Chapple-Hyam, $10.00)
Probably the classiest of the internationals, has gained Craig Williams as the jockey during the week, but severe doubts on him running the trip if he doesn’t get his own way up in front.
11. Mourinho 8g (Peter Gelagotis, $21.00)
Tough, experienced WFA galloper who continues to impress – has beaten the best Victoria has to offer, but not completely sure he can win a Cox Plate with his tendency to hang out. Would love to see him win for connections.
12. Royal Descent 6m (Chris Waller, $21.00)
Perennial bridesmaid who narrowly missed her best chance to win a Group 1 in the Turnbull down in the weights. Sure to be competitive, but won’t beat a field of this calibre.
13. Pornichet 5h (Gai Waterhouse, $13.00)
Progressive import. Showed an impressive turn of foot in the George Main but ran out of condition. Could surprise a few people in the Caulfield Stakes, leading at a slow place. That would guarantee a run here and a rise in his power ranking.
14. Hartnell 5g (John O’Shea, $15.00)
Impressive BMW winner of last autumn who is just tracking along. Would have to improve several lengths to win a Cox Plate. Slight danger of ballot?
15. Happy Trails 8g (Paul Beshara, $21.00)
Likable old warhorse. Hard to get a gauge on how is he going – suspect he’s racing as well as last spring, but will need to run well in the Caulfield Stakes to improve his ranking. May be a slight query on getting a run if the field doesn’t fall away (which would be a tragedy!).
16. Contributer 6h (John O’Shea, $17.00)
Godolphin stallion suited to sit and sprint WFA. Does he handle The Cleaner/Moonee Valley? Well and truly earned his run in the race but he’s been disappointing this preparation. Take on trust.
17. Rising Romance 5m (Hayes/Dabernig, $21.00)
New Zealand mare who has gone to a new level this prep but is unlikely to run in the race.
18. Mongolian Khan 4h (Murray Baker, $21.00)
The impressive New Zealand Derby winner’s stocks will rise should he win the Caulfield Stakes. AJC Derby winner – can’t be balloted.
19. Entirely Platinum 6g (Team Hawkes, $101.00)
Another brave on-pace effort in the Epsom, but may struggle to run out a strong 2040 metres.
20. Complacent 5h (John O’Shea, $21.00)
Comeback colt who has returned to racing with aplomb. Would be suited by a tough 2040 metres, but unlikely to go here.
21. Stratum Star 4h (Darren Weir, $51.00)
Admirable horse who races to his best consistently, but may lack the killer punch to put away a field of this standard. Toorak win would guarantee him a run.
22. Fenway 4m (Lee andamp; Shannon Hope, $26.00)
Group 1 winning mare who was tough and impressive in Stocks Stakes. May miss the race for the Mackinnon.
23. Disposition 4g (Lee andamp; Anthony Freedman, $26.00)
Progressive Perth gelding now with Lee Freedman – would be an intriguing addition to the race if he won the Toorak.
24. Dibayani 6g (Hayes/Dabernig, $41.00)
Competitive in early season features, but is unlikely to receive a run in this or the Caulfield Cup at this stage.
25. Hauraki 4g (John O’Shea, $51.00)
Appreciated the rise in trip when second to Complacent last Saturday. Good lightweight chance for a Caulfield Cup.
26. Amralah 6h (Robert Hickmott, $81.00)
Progressive import who has run to another level his last two starts, but is unlikely to threaten.
27. Who Shot Thebarman 7g (Chris Waller, $51.00)
Tough stayer who is on track for another Melbourne Cup, but won’t run here.
28. Ecuador 6g (Gai Waterhouse, $101.00)
Brave on pace in the Epsom, is likely to accept for the race, but won’t get in especially considering he’s not running at Caulfield this week.
29. Noble Protector 6m (Robert Smerdon, $41.00)
Is an impressive mare when right, but she was too disappointing first up to make a case for her.
30. Odyssey Moon 3c (Rodney Northam, $201.00)
Failed at his only run at a mile, but was impressive racing wide last start. If he won the Caulfield Guineas, he would be worthy of a Cox Plate start.
31. Leebaz 6g (Team Hawkes, $301.00)
Honest second-tier WFA horse not up to Cox Plate standard.
32. Last Bullet 3c (John Hyam, $101.00)
Progressive three-year-old colt who is tracking along very nicely for a Caulfield Guineas, but is unlikely to have the class to threaten in a Cox Plate.
33. Jameka 3f (Ciaron Maher, $201.00)
Good three-year-old filly who would have to win the 1000 Guineas very impressively to have any chance of making the field.
34. Big Memory 6g (Tony McEvoy, $301.00)
Fantastic return first-up, but he hasn’t raced since and is unlikely to get a run or figure off such a compromised preparation.
35. Gallante 5h (Robert Hickmott, $101.00)
On Australian form he needs a bog to have a chance of running top 10, unlikely to get a run regardless.
36. Akavoroun 6g (Ciaron Maher, $201.00)
Good miler when right. Didn’t have good enough form to satisfy the MV panel last year, not going any better now.
Cox Plate Power Rankings
1. Kermadec
2. Highland Reel
3. Winx
4. Fawkner
5. Criterion
6. Preferment
7. Gailo Chop
8. The Cleaner
9. Press Statement
10. Arod
11. Mourinho
12. Royal Descent
13. Pornichet
14. Hartnell
15. Happy Trails
16. Contributer
17. Rising Romance
18. Mongolian Khan
19. Entirely Platinum
20. Complacent
21. Stratum Star
22. Fenway
23. Disposition
24. Dibayani
25. Hauraki
26. Amralah
27. Who Shot Thebarman
28. Ecuador
29. Noble Protector
30. Odyssey Moon
31. Leebaz
32. Last Bullet
33. Jameka
34. Big Memory
35. Gallante
36. Akavoroun
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