Cox Plate 2021: Runner by runner analysis for $5m Group 1 at The Valley

Should we forgive and forget Zaaki’s last-start performance or is the Cox Plate favourite vulnerable? Gilbert Gardiner dissects the field.

MELBOURNE. 18/10/2021. Moonee Valley Breakfast with the Best track gallops. Zaaki ridden by Raphael Marchelli has a hit out at during the Breakfast with the Best track work session at Moonee Valley racecourse. Photo by Michael Klein

Herald Sun racing reporter Gilbert Gardiner takes a look at the Cox Plate field ahead of Saturday’s $5m Group 1 Australasian weight-for-age championship at The Valley.

1. ZAAKI

Trainer: Annabel Neasham

Jockey: James McDonald

Barrier: 6 TAB Odds: $2.60

Gilbert says: Forgive and forget last start when race not run to suit. Drawn to dictate and win.

Assistant trainer Todd Pollard: “He’s pretty quiet at home, but he gets to a day like this and he prances around, he’s on his toes and he seems right where we want him to be.”

2. DALASAN

Trainer: Leon Macdonald and Andrew Gluyas

Jockey: Daniel Moor

Barrier: 3 TAB Odds: $34

Gilbert says: Building towards a peak performance and likes getting toe in the ground. Not the roughest.

Jockey Daniel Moor: “I think he’s probably a little bit underrated in the market here, but one thing we know is that he’s a warhorse that’s tough and you know he gives his all every time you go out.”

3. GOLD TRIP

Trainer: Ciaron Maher and David Eustace

Jockey: Damien Oliver

Barrier: 2 TAB Odds: 11

Gilbert says: Intriguing international, who could come out and win by panels and not surprise. Three-time Group 1 placed and finished fourth in the Arc de Triomphe. Big watch.

Trainer Ciaron Maher: “He can be a little bit casual in work. Race day he’ll switch on and hopefully Ollie can get the job done.”

Gold Trip has strong international form. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

4. CALLSIGN MAV

Trainer: John Bary

Jockey: Luke Nolen

Barrier: 5 TAB Odds: $34

Gilbert says: Will go forward and make a race of it. Can run time and flies on soft ground. Will it be wet enough?

Jockey Luke Nolen: “He doesn’t need to lead … he’s got the visors on and he can see them coming if we do find ourselves in that position, but he can sit off a pace as well and be as effective.”

5. MO’UNGA

Trainer: Annabel Neasham

Jockey: Hugh Bowman

Barrier: 4 TAB Odds: 13

Gilbert says: Weighted out of the Epsom but still ran a huge race. Blinkers on and Hugh Bowman prepared to make the trip south says all you need to know.

Assistant trainer Todd Pollard: “Zaaki has his measure which we saw today, but the way Mo’unga worked was one of the better pieces of work you would see from him.”

6. VERRY ELLEEGANT

Trainer: Chris Waller

Jockey: Damian Lane

Barrier: 9 TAB Odds: $6

Gilbert says: Forgive last start. If she’s within striking distance on the bend watch out.

Jockey Damian Lane: “She’ll be right. She’s a champion and she won’t stay down for too long.”

7. PROBABEEL

Trainer: Jamie Richards

Jockey: Brett Prebble

Barrier: 7 TAB Odds: $17

Gilbert says: Huge effort winning the Group 1 Might And Power but needs dry ground to be effective.

Trainer Jamie Richards: “Needs good ground to show her best and thankfully that (also) hinders a couple of the others. So we’re looking forward to hopefully running on a good track on Saturday.”

8. STATE OF REST

Trainer: Joseph O’Brien

Jockey: John Allen

Barrier: 8 TAB Odds: $13

Gilbert says: Respect anything O’Brien brings to Australia. Won a Group 1 on the firm deck last start in the United States.

Travelling foreman Mark Power: He has all his work done and he’s a fit horse. The ground I don’t think is going to be too much of an issue.”

Anamoe is an exciting talent but has a tough draw. Picture: Michael Klein

9. ANAMOE

Trainer: James Cummings

Jockey: Craig Williams

Barrier: 10 TAB Odds: $5

Gilbert says: Caulfield Guineas’ winner gets in light and has closing speed to burn. Awkward draw but exciting talent.

Godolphin’s Melbourne foreman Sean Keogh: “He was very good around The Valley … got around there nicely.”

10. CAPTIVANT

Trainer: Peter and Paul Snowden

Jockey: Dean Yendall

Barrier: 1 TAB Odds: $21

Gilbert says: Took an exceptional one (Anamoe) to beat him in the Caulfield Guineas. Primed to run a big race.

Jockey Dean Yendall: “He stretched out really nicely and I’m happy with how he went around and did his business this morning … it’s what he needed and hopefully it will top him off for Saturday.”

GILBERT’S TIPS:

1. ZAAKI

2. MO’UNGA

3. VERRY ELLEEGANT

Originally published as Cox Plate 2021: Runner by runner analysis for $5m Group 1 at The Valley