The Japanese took the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday thanks to Admire Rakti. Will another international take out WFA gem, the Cox Plate (2040m)? Justhorseracing has gone through each of the trio to give you, the punter, the best guide possible when assessing the overseas raiders and their prospects in the big one this Saturday.
Adelaide
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
Jockey: Ryan Moore
Weight: 56kg
Barrier: 13
Odds: $7
2000m Record: 3: 2-1-0
Career Highlight: 2014 Group l Secretariat Stakes (2012m) win at Arlington, US
Overview: Quality Galileo colt for Aidan O’Brien who comes to Australia after winning the Group l Secretariat Stakes (2000m) at Arlington in the US. The form out of that race I don’t know a whole lot about, but the vibe I get is that it wasn’t strong, and he did want to do plenty wrong in the run, and in a Cox Plate, one little mistake and you are gone. You could make up for a mistake at a Caulfield or Flemington, but given the layout at the Valley, you can’t make up for an error. Plus the pressure is on Ryan Moore. He is regarded as one of the worlds best, but in his past two ventures down under, he has produced a couple of horrendous steers on Mount Athos and Dandino respectively. Adelaide is highly talented, but I have a real query about him handling the beast that is Moonee Valley.
Side Glance
Trainer: Andrew Balding
Jockey: Jamie Spencer
Weight: 59kg
Barrier: 7
Odds: $41
2000m Record: 12: 1-0-4
Career Highlight: 2013 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) winner.
Overview: Ran midfield in this race 12 months before going on to win the Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) so we know he is quite competitive when racing down under, and I thought he was very good in the Caulfield Stakes when a close up third to Fawkner after setting a good speed. He will more than likely get the drag up behind The Cleaner and look to pounce on that horse 600m out when the pressure is at maximum. Can he win a Cox Plate? I don’t think so, but $6 for the place is enticing.
Guest Of Honour
Trainer: Marco Botti
Jockey: Craig Williams
Weight: 59kg
Barrier: 10
Odds: $81
2000m Record: 1: 0-0-0
Career Highlight: Group ll Summer Mile (1609) winner at Ascot
Overview: Another Marco Botti international who ran in the Toorak Handicap (1600m) and made up nice ground late to beaten just over three lengths in ninth position behind Trust In A Gust. The problem with him is that he is not proven beyond 1600m. He would need to improve a few lengths to trouble these, so I am happy to let him go.
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My International Ranking Order:
1. Side Glance
2. Adelaide
3. Guest Of Honour
