This weekend is all about the Cox Plate and the chance for this generation to see a piece of history with Winx shooting for three straight.
The feature is supported strongly for the programme at Moonee Valley so here is my take on the quaddie legs.
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Race 7: italktravel Fillies Classic, 1600m
Banish might be the one here. Loved her win on Cranbourne Cup Day when chasing hard and grabbing victory right on the peg. Crying out for the mile and she gets it here.
Mintha had no hope the way the race was run in the Thousand Guineas but effort was sound and she’ll love the drop in depth. Nothin’ On Me is probably the best horse in the race. Just doing a few things wrong but if she puts it together, look out.
Tip: Banish on top, ahead of Mintha, Nothin’ On Me and Speedway.
Race 8: Schweppes Crystal Mile, 1600m
Very keen here on Burning Front. His effort last week in the Moonga was outstanding given all the work he did on pace and was only caught late. Should sit outside Religify and prove tough to beat.
That horse resumed in the Weekend Hussler and fought hard but his condition just gave way late. He will set the tempo and will give his all. The last 50 metres will be the test. Antonio Giuseppe is the big watch here back to the mile after a Moreira slaughter in the Metropolitan. His last mile run in the George Main behind Winx was a beauty.
Tip: Burning Front for me, to beat Religify, Antonio Giuseppe and It’s Somewhat.
Race 9: Ladbrokes Cox Plate, 2040m
Just sit back and enjoy history with Winx, because I doubt we will see it again in our lifetime. Probably would have if So You Think had stayed in Australia, so this needs to be appreciated.
The lock for a place is Royal Symphony. As I said, three-year-olds always run well in this race and he has given the impression as if the 2000m will be perfect. Gailo Chop will do his thing near the speed and he loves to get down and dirty. Humidor next best with a cold ride.
Tip: Winx, Royal Symphony, Gailo Chop, Humidor
Race 10: Drummond Golf Vase, 2040m
OTI Racing will win the race with either Vin De Dance or Aloisia. The proven horse is the filly so I’ll lean her way. The Thousand Guineas win was outstanding and keep in mind she was second up. She is a lock for the Oaks and I’m keen on her here.
Vin De Dance is the knockout chance for this and the Derby. Outstanding Aussie debut last Wednesday and he will eat up the 2040 metres here. The Sledgehammer is a work in progress, but he has the hard 2000-metre run against the older horses under the belt now and could fill a place. Cliff’s Edge is far too short in betting for mine given he was handed the race on a platter last week.
Tip: Aloisia on top, to beat Vin De Dance, The Sledgehammer and Cliff’s Edge
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