Form analyst, RIC CHAPMAN, looks at every runner in Saturday’s soon to be Group 1 WS Cox Plate with horse racing tips for the first four. Read on to see how he maps this great race and his final thoughts. Good luck!
Moonee Valley R9 – G1 $5million WS Cox Plate (WFA) 2040m
1. ZAAKI (1) z21213x133
T: Annabel Neasham / J: Jamie Kah (59kg)
What a great racehorse. So consistent, so honest and just puts himself in the race from the get go. Should let Alligator Blood lead despite the rails draw so I see him sitting up in 3rd spot on the fence tracking AB all the way, well, until they hit the 500m mark where upon he probably moves off the rail and moves up to eyeball the leader. He is suspect over 2040m at this elite level but if he can conserve his energy until the last 500m, then skip away on the bend, he rates a show.
2. I’M THUNDERSTRUCK (10) 55226×2142
T: Mick Price & Michael Kent / J: Mark Zahra (59kg)
What a great war horse. Is cherry-ripe for this now and is ready to run the race of his life. Stormed home after being much closer to the lead last start when 2nd to Anamoe at Gr 1 level in the 2000m Caulfield Stakes last start. Was only beaten in the last few bounds. Is tough but draw is an issue. He may have to go back early which is a disadvantage but his honesty means he will be in the fray.
3. ALLIGATOR BLOOD (12) 68x21x7215
T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott /J: Tim Clark (59kg)
Could sneak this. He is very fit and loves to roll along at a fast tempo. From this gate he has only one option and that is to jump out and go. So he looks the leader and although he’s not known as a star over this trip, he does look a threat because he will have the lead on his own. And these Tulloch Lodge horses do just keep coming and running fast.
4. MR BRIGHTSIDE (11) x3441x1154
T: Team Hayes/ J: Craig Williams (59kg)
Is ready to show up. Although barrier is a worry. Will have to go back early from this draw and that allows some superstar stayers to have a head start up on the pace. Saying that, he ran 4th in a very similar race last start over 2000m in the Gr 1 Caulfield Stakes and was doing the best work of all horses late. Anamoe won it but this bloke ran well. He does look to be about a length inferior to the very best horses.
5. MO’UNGA (9) 43x26x0328
T: Annabel Neasham / J: Nash Rawiller (59kg)
This is a really good racehorse. But not always. Sometimes just lobs out the back and doesn’t run on. Did that last start when 8th to Anamoe in the Gr 1 Caulfield Stakes. Prior to that ran a great 2nd this grade to Alligator Blood over 1800m, beating Zaaki home. If you are lucky enough to catch him he can return a good dividend but this does look a length or so too tough.
6. GOLD TRIP (7) x52x3x3352
T: Ciaran Maher & David Eustace / J: Jamie Spencer (59kg)
Interesting galloper. Is very smart and showed that when hitting the front at the 2200m last week in the Gr 1 Caulfield Cup, carrying top weight mind you, and being nabbed on the line. Has form this journey back in Europe but this is a cracking field and he may be left flat-footed when they go at the 600m. saying that, his Caulfield Cup run was excellent.
7. LAWS OF INDICIES (3) 5730409×42
T: Annabel Neasham /J: John Allen (59kg)
Has never won at this trip and has picked a terrific field to try and win at. But his Gr 1 handicap effort last start when flying home from last at the turn in the Torah grabbing 2nd spot was a superb effort. And he must surely be fitter now. This is a step up in class but has drawn well and can finish.
8. YOUNG WERTHER (2) 232x528x43
T: Danny O’Brien / J: Damian Lane (59kg)
Is very talented but isn’t expected to beat these. saying that, this time last year he was 2nd in the Gr 1 Turnbull at this trip and earlier this month he ran on well when a good 3rd to Smokin’ Romans in the same race. This is a whole new world of pain and class from that race so looks tested.
9. MAXIMAL (5) 6x00x25x82
T: John O’Shea / J: Ben Melham (59kg)
Very smart middle distance stayer on his day and he is in form. Was 2nd up last start in handy time behind Smokin’ Romans at Gr 1 level. Never won at this trip but is 3rd up and super fit now. Saying that, this is a very tough race.
10. ANAMOE (4) x31219x111
T: James Cummings / J: James McDonald (57.5kg)
Reminds me so much of Lonhro. Just keeps coming and coming at you until he wears you down. Has done that at past three runs, all at Gr 1 level latest when beating I’m Thunderstruck and Zaaki in the Caulfield Stakes this trip. Is much, much better for that run. Was beaten a whisker in controversial circumstances last year in this race by an international superstar. Is better now and should win.
11. PROFONDO (6) 21x04x3479
T: Richard Litt /J: Chad Schofield (57.5kg)
Fascinating horse. Has so much talent but just doesn’t seem to produce in Melbourne. Case in point last start when 9th in the Gr 1 Turnbull behind Smokin’ Romans and you wouldn’t back that horse to win this.
12. EL BODEGON (8) 1311x7233x
T: Chris Waller / J: Damien Oliver (56.5kg)
Good European star resuming here. Won this trip in slow time at this Gr 1 level in France this time last year. Since then has twice placed at Gr 1 level this year in fast time. Switched to Chris Waller’s yard so must be respected as his form is every bit as good as these but done in Europe. Watch betting moves re this bloke.
