Three-time Cox Plate champion Winx, who won her 28th consecutive race at Flemington on Saturday, headlines the 25 third round acceptors for the $5 million Group 1 Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m) – Moonee Valley, Saturday, 27 October – eleven runners less in 3rd round acceptors when compared to this same stage of the 2017 edition.
Five internationals remain in contention with invited runner Benbatl (Saeed bin Suroor) joined by Blair House and Emotionless (both Charlie Appleby), Cliffs of Moher and Rostropovich (both Aidan O’Brien).
There are three 3yo’s still in the acceptances being the filly El Dorado Dreaming (Kris Lees) and two colts The Autumn Sun (Waller) and Thinkin’ Big (Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott).
Other notable acceptors include Avilius (James Cummings), last weekend’s New Zealand Group 1 winner Savvy Coup (Mike Pittman) and 2017 runner-up Humidor (Weir) – one of six acceptors from the Darren Weir yard. Waller has four acceptors remaining and Waterhouse & Bott have three still in the field.
Headlining the missing brigade of 16 who have dropped out after the third round acceptors are Grunt, Kementari, Jon Snow and 2017 placegetter Folkswood.
The dream is still alive for Dynamic Syndications Owners of ARBEITSAM after the third round of acceptances were declared on Tuesday 9th October.
ARBEITSAM (Snitzel x Workhard) trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott remains eligible to run in the 2018 edition of Australia’s Championship Race.
Arbeitsam has always been aimed at the Cox Plate this preparation and has been racing well over unsuitable shorter course races, having recorded “personal best” rating figures in 3 of his 4 race starts this preparation and this has laid the foundation stones required to be competitive at the gruelling 2040m.
Much could be answered for Arbeitsam’s connections when he takes on Weight-For-Age over 2000m at Randwick on Saturday in the Gr3 Craven Plate. However the threat of a shredded mud heap surface by race 8 on the expected Heavy 10 on Saturday would not be in Arbeitsam’s favour.
Dynamic Syndications boss Dean Watt is looking to have his second runner in the COX PLATE having won the 2004 edition with SAVABEEL.
SAVABEEL winning the 2004 COX PLATE
SAVABEEL
Dean Watt with the 2004 COX PLATE won by his syndicated colt SAVABEEL
Also Dean experienced the disappointment on having his 2006 runner HONOR IN WAR (USA) scratched on the eve of the Cox Plate.
The ownership team and connections of ARBEITSAM are under no illusions of what a herculean task lies in front of their honest galloper.
Dynamic Owners of ARBEITSAM
Taking on the World’s Best Racehorse in WINX and at this stage, 5 internationals and the cream of the crop in Australasia. However Arbeitsam won’t be there to simply make up the numbers. He is peaking at the right time heading into a $5 million dollar race.
Racing is about dreams, emotions and taking chances when they are presented.
Final acceptances for the Cox Plate will be taken at 8.30am on Tuesday, 23 October with the field to be released and barrier draw conducted shortly thereafter.
Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040 Meters) Group 1
Of $5,050,000. 1st $3,000,000, 2nd $750,000, 3rd $375,000, 4th $250,000, 5th $200,000, 6th $100,000, 7th $100,000, 8th $75,000, 9th $75,000, 10th $75,000
Standard Weight for Age, Three-Years-Old and Upwards, Apprentices cannot claim.
The 25 Third Round Acceptors are:
