Back Yourself!
Sign-up and start betting with Ladbrokes in 2 minutes!
Back A Winner with Neds!
Sign-up and start betting with Neds in 2 minutes!
Daily Racing Specials!
Sign-up and bet with Australia's best new bookmaker!
#1 Ranked New Bookie
Sign-up and bet with Australia's #1 ranked new bookmaker!
Best Of The Best Odds!
Bet With Palmerbet and get Paid Top Fluc or Top Tote!
Massive Odds on All Races!
Sign-up and start betting with PlayUp in 2 minutes!
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
Set a deposit limit.
Search
 
Image: horseracingplanet.com
State Of Rest will attempt to join Rekindling and Twilight Payment as feature Australian winners for Irish trainer Joseph O'Brien

Irish trainer Joseph O’Brien has two Melbourne Cups under the belt and now he would like to add a Cox Plate to the trophy cabinet.

With strict veterinary protocols in place for international travel this year, Joseph O’Brien has sent two horses to Melbourne for two of Australia’s biggest prizes – State Of Rest in Saturday’s Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) at The Valley and Twilight Payment for his title defence of the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 2.

Travelling foreman Mark Power said State Of Rest had adapted well to his new surrounds at Werribee which is much quieter this year with fewer international gallopers making the trip out.

State Of Rest has raced only twice this year, finishing third over a mile at The Curragh in June before winning the Group 1 Derby Invitational (1911m) at Saratoga (in the US) on August 7.

It was that victory that convinced O’Brien and the connections of the Starspangledbanner northern hemisphere three-year-old to make the trip to Melbourne for the Cox Plate.

Power said M J Doran, State Of Rest’s track rider, knows the colt best and said he was on target.

“He knows any flaws he might have or any quirks he might have,” Power told RSN.

“He’s a straight-forward horse and it’s great to have that little bit of travel under your belt knowing what to expect and he’s been one to take it fairly well.

“He’s delighted with him. Fingers crossed.”

While State Of Rest may lack the racing experience of his more seasoned opponents, Power said the colt had plenty of speed and does not see the 2040m proving a problem.

Power has been surprised with the hype surrounding Zaaki who is the $2.60 favourite with TAB for Saturday’s race ahead of Anamoe and Verry Elleegant at $5.

State Of Rest is an $11 chance.

“He wasn’t a great star that he has been made out to be here back home,” Power said of Zaaki.

“He wasn’t showing that level of form, but he’s been very impressive down here, so it will be interesting to see how we get on down here on Saturday.

“Annabel Neasham has obviously done a very good job with him.”

 
*Existing customers only. 2nd Racing bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
Set a deposit limit.
Featured News

FREE BETS – Claim $1000’s in Bonus Bets at the TOP Betting Sites

We take a look at the BIGGEST and BEST Free Daily Racing Offers and Betting Promotions from Australia’s leading online...

Golden Slipper Likely Field – 2024

The biggest two-year-old race of the year will jump this Saturday in arguably one of the best fields in recent...

Former trainer handed a five-year ban for pulling stewards pants down

Former trainer Todd Balfour has been handed a five-year disqualification by Racing SA stewards after a misconduct incident at the...

Melbourne Cup champion Verry Elleegant passes away

Verry Elleegant, one of the great mares in the history of Australian racing, has died while giving birth to her...

Watch 📺 Jockey banned from all racing premises over ride

Jockey Dylan Kitts has been penalised with a disciplinary officer exclusion directive due to non-compliance with an inquiry regarding his...

Group 1 winner returns positive swab

Racing Victoria stewards are investigating a positive swab from Group 1-winning mare Prowess, the racehorse trained by Roger James and...

Alligator Blood injured, career in doubt

Cult galloper Alligator Blood may have run his last race, with trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott confirming the star galloper had...

Nikita Beriman returns to the saddle

July 1, 2023 to January 26, 2024 … that period represents the just shy of seven months that Nikita Beriman...

Australia's Best Betting Sites

New Betting Sites Australia + Top List Bookmaker Apps $$$

Betting in Australia has never been more popular thanks to a large increase in new betting Agencies and Apps available...

Top 10 – Funniest Race Horse Names

Horse racing. Known as the ‘Sport Of Kings’, an industry worth billions, a very serious business…but to some, it’s a...

Best Horse Betting Sites in Australia

Best Horse Racing Betting Apps and Betting Sites – March 2024

We take a look at the best online betting apps to bet on horse racing in Australia for the month...

Golden Slipper

The Golden Slipper is one of the biggest and most prestigious horse races in Australia. Taking place each April at...

Australian Bookmaker Reviews – Online Bookie Ratings $$

Which bookmaker should you bet with? We Review each of the leading online Australian Bookmakers and rate them in order...

 
 
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au