Cox Plate invitees to clash
06 Jul 2012 | Racing Victoria Ltd Despite So You Think’s shock withdrawal from Saturday night’s (AET) Group 1 Coral-Eclipse Stakes (2000m) in the UK, the Sandown race still commands plenty of interest for Australian punters, particularly with an eye to this year’s Spring Racing Carnival.
Former Italian star Crackerjack King, a winner at seven of his eight starts and a confirmed contender for this year’s Sportingbet Cox Plate, debuts for UK-based Italian trainer Marco Botti and Victorian-based owners Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock.
Amongst his rivals are two of the 10 high profile internationals already issued invites for the Cox Plate – Godolphin’s Dubai World Cup winner Monterosso and Roger Charlton’s Dubai Duty Free winner Cityscape.
Following are the weekend’s international races that may impact this year’s Spring Racing Carnival, together with comments from RV’s International Recruitment Officer, Leigh Jordon;
• Haydock (UK) – Old Newton Cup (2400m) – Broadcast live on SKY 2 & SKY World at 12.25am (AET) Sunday morning
Leigh Jordon’s Comment – This is the race won by Luca Cumani’s Mad Rush in 2008 en route to finishing close up in both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups of that year. There’s no primary targets engaged, although Luca has a horse called Franciscan which is interesting to note. I’ll be following the winner closely and seeing whether they can progress to Group company as Mad Rush did.
• Sandown (UK) – G1 Coral-Eclipse Stakes (2000m) – Broadcast live on SKY 2 & SKY World at 12.45am (AET) Sunday morning
Leigh Jordon’s Comment – This could hopefully turn out to be a pivotal international form race for this year’s Cox Plate. Crackerjack King is headed that way and we’re very keen to entice Cityscape and Monterosso down for the race also. Godolphin’s late entry Farhh was the horse that caught my eye most at Royal Ascot so he’s a horse we’re definitely interested in for the Spring Racing Carnival.
• Sandown (UK) – Listed Coral Marathon (3270m) – Broadcast live on SKY 2 & SKY World at 1.20am (AET) Sunday morning
Leigh Jordon’s Comment – Land ‘N Stars won this race in 2006 en route to finishing fifth in the Melbourne Cup. Godolphin’s Cavalryman has been nominated for the Cups before so he’ll be a name familiar to Australians. I’m most interested in Glen’s Diamond, who has a recent second to Red Cadeaux, and Luca Cumani’s Mount Athos who needs a win in this company to improve his credentials.