Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet strengthens All-Star Mile claims with brilliant Geelong trial

Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet showed he will be a force in the All-Star Mile after toying with his opposition in Geelong trial. WATCH THE TRIAL

Sir Dragonet and Glen Boss after the Cox Plate. Picture: SDP Media

Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet cemented his $5m All-Star Mile credentials after trialling brilliantly at Geelong.

Despite the breathtaking performance, co-trainer David Eustace said the former international would still most likely be saved up for the world’s richest mile at The Valley on March 13.

“I don’t think we’ll get too carried away running him in a Group 1 over 1400m on a hard track, that’s not going to be what’s going to suit him,” Eustace said. “I dare say he’ll still be going fresh into it with the rest of the autumn in mind.”

Sir Dragonet... 👀

We can't wait to see him return to the track. Check out the @CoxPlate winner's trial. 🐉 @cmaherracing pic.twitter.com/SKFfssvSKh

— Racing.com (@Racing) January 27, 2021

Sir Dragonet jumped sweetly to lead the trial, which included Group 1 winners Miami Bound and Fifty Stars, and comfortably held the margin as champion hoop Glen Boss impersonated a statue. Nonconformist and Night’s Watch made ground late under hard riding to round out the placings.

“The manner in which he (Sir Dragonet) did it was very pleasing to see,” Eustace said.

“It shows he’s probably got a little bit more freshness, a little bit more ping, with him going to a mile … he’s going to need that (ping) and he showed it today.”

Stable confidence was high going into the trial after the Camelot stallion returned from a spell a brighter and much more enthusiastic commodity, as displayed on Thursday.

Sir Dragonet looks set for a successful autumn carnival. Picture: Getty Images

“We were eager to get him out and into stride because he was a little bit sluggish away in the Cox Plate and you’re not going to be able to afford to miss the kick in the All-Star Mile,” Eustace said.

Sir Dragonet is the $9 second favourite in TAB’s all-in market for the All-Star Mile behind Arcadia Queen and Russian Camelot (both $6).

Stablemate Anders impressed also, winning his trial by a widening four lengths.

The speed demon had not been seen since running last in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes last spring, after a gut-busting three-horse drag race at Caulfield in the Blue Sapphire Stakes.

Anders is likely to campaign in Sydney.

Phillip Stokes-trained Ancestry trialled superbly, eased down nearing the post to just get beat, while All-Star Mile hopeful Mr Quickie closed off from back in the field.

Originally published as Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet strengthens All-Star Mile claims with brilliant Geelong trial