Caulfield Guineas winner Long John has firmed from $21 into $11 to win the Sportingbet Cox Plate following confirmation the three year-old will run in the weight for age championship at Moonee Valley.
“It’s a tough race for three year-olds to win but with his racing style and toughness he has to be given a chance, especially with no weight on his back” Sportingbet’s Michael Felgate said.
“Peter Snowden wouldn’t run him in the race unless he thought he was a genuine chance, I expect he will be very popular with punters. It adds another layer of intrigue to what is shaping as the race of the spring.”
Atlantic Jewel continues to dominate betting at $2.25 ahead of Fiorente at $5. Puissance De Lune is out to $6 with one-time second favourite It’s a Dundeel $6.50 after suffering a hoof abscess.
Long John’s stablemate, 1000 Guineas odds-on favourite Guelph, has eased from $15 out to $17.
“We don’t think Darley will run two three year-olds in the Cox Plate even if she wins impressively tomorrow so we are willing to risk her now that Long John is a confirmed starter,” Felgate said.
2013 SPORTINGBET COX PLATE
Sportingbet Market
Atlantic Jewel $2.25
Fiorente $5.50
Puissance De Lune $6.00
It’s A Dundeel $6.50
Long John $11
Guelph $17.00
Happy Trails $17.00
Green Moon $22.00
Super Cool $31.00
Hawkspur $31.00
Sea Moon $31.00
Royal Descent $41.00
Rekindled Interest $41.00
Foreteller $41.00
Trevieres $41.00
