Grade 1 Saratoga Derby Invitational to become Cox Plate qualifying race

The winner of the US race won by 2021 Cox Plate champ State Of Rest will now earn a guaranteed start in The Valley’s greatest race in October.

International gallopers will have a chance to follow the lead of 2021 Cox Plate winner State Of Rest. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

The Moonee Valley Racing Club has offered a Cox Plate berth to the winner of a New York Racing Association event to be held later this month.

The winner of the $US600,000 Grade 1 Saratoga Derby Invitational will earn a guaranteed start in The Valley’s greatest race in October.

Irish trainer Joseph O’Brien won the Saratoga Derby with State Of Rest in 2021 before that galloper triumphed over local star Anamoe in a controversial Cox Plate that was decided in the stewards’ room.

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State Of Rest later proved the strength of that form by winning Group 1 races in France and at the Royal Ascot carnival before retiring to stud.

International runners have won four of the last five Cox Plates at their first start around The Valley.

UNBELIEVABLE RACE! 🔥

STATE OF REST IS THE 2021 COX PLATE CHAMPION.@JosephOBrien2#CoxPlate101pic.twitter.com/vBRukljgby

— Racing.com (@Racing) October 23, 2021

The Moonee Valley Racing Club’s Racing boss said the presence of overseas-trained runners in the Cox Plate only added to the prestige of the rich event.

“When assessing the strength of the Ladbrokes Cox Plate in recent years, there is a very definitive correlation between international participation, strong race ratings and strong wagering numbers,” Mills said.

“The Saratoga Derby brings together a talented contingent of northern hemisphere three-year-olds each year, and we are hoping to see more of them follow the path paved by Joseph O’Brien and State Of Rest.”

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The MVRC’s Cox Plate deal with the New York Racing Association enhances the Victorian Spring Carnival’s links with the US organisation.

The Victoria Racing Club offered a Melbourne Cup ballot exemption for the first time to the winner of last month’s Belmont Gold Cup, which was held this year at Saratoga.

Trainer Graham Motion won the race and Melbourne Cup start with The Grey Wizard.

Originally published as Grade 1 Saratoga Derby Invitational to become Cox Plate qualifying race