Champion jockey James McDonald excited about Anamoe’s chances in Group 1 Might And Power Stakes at Caulfield

Group 1 collector James McDonald is adamant Godolphin superstar Anamoe “will come out on top” in the Might And Power at Caulfield.

James McDonald sitting up on Anamoe after winning the Group 1 Winx Stakes first-up at Randwick. Picture: Racing Photos

Champion jockey James McDonald says Cox Plate favourite Anamoe will be out to “make a statement” in Saturday’s Group 1 Might And Power Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield.

Group 1 collector McDonald dismissed any concerns about engaging fellow contenders Alligator Blood or Zaaki in a dogfight, convinced Godolphin superstar Anamoe “will come out on top”.

“He’s like a Latrell Mitchell in the NRL,” McDonald said.

“Young, big, strong, got any amount of ability, if he needs to get the job done he’ll get the job done.”

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Hulking South Sydney and representative gamebreaker Mitchell is one of rugby league’s most dynamic stars, in a similar mould to AFL matchwinners Patrick Cripps and Dustin Martin.

The star-studded Might And Power Stakes on Saturday at Caulfield is headlined by the top four in the Cox Plate market – Anamoe ($2.80), Zaaki ($6), Alligator Blood ($8) and I’m Thunderstruck ($9).

Anamoe is a well-supported as $2.40 TAB favourite in the Might And Power, registered as Caulfield Stakes, from Zaaki ($4.80), I’m Thunderstruck ($6) and Alligator Blood ($6).

Mo’unga and Mr Brightside, both also Cox Plate bound, are next best in the Might and Power at $12 and $15 respectively.

Alligator Blood led all the way to win the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) last start, fending off Mo’unga and Zaaki, who should be close to his top now third-up with the Cox Plate 14 days away.

THE GATOR! 🐊🩸

Alligator Blood takes out a star-studded G1 Underwood Stakes @GaiWaterhouse1pic.twitter.com/ZJCExHr14t

— Racing.com (@Racing) September 25, 2022

“Not only Alligator Blood (likely leader), he’s got Zaaki high-balling up there, he’s going to be hard enough to get past,” McDonald said.

“Then you’ve got the fast finishers I’m Thunderstruck, Mr Brightside and Mo’unga, will be tough as boots as well.

“This is a clash of the titans as I’ve ever seen one before the grand final.”

Godolphin trainer James Cummings asked McDonald to ride Anamoe in trackwork for the first time last Tuesday to gauge his thoughts on the five-time Group 1 winner following a mystery sore spot.

Anamoe pulled up “three out of five” lame in the off foreleg after winning the Group 1 George Main Stakes but the future Darley stallion recovered swiftly and passed a battery of precautionary tests.

"UP GOES ANAMOE!" 🏇☁️

This year's George Main belongs to @godolphin's star Anamoe! 👏 pic.twitter.com/irUceYOpkb

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) September 17, 2022

Anamoe “moved great” with McDonald aboard last Tuesday.

“He must’ve just clipped himself on pulling up the other day and took a few short strides but as Godolphin and James would’ve done, he would’ve done every test possible,” McDonald said.

“He’s an expensive commodity and they have not found one issue, all I can put it (lame) down to is he just clipped his shoe or clipped his joint and felt a little bit sore.

“His work on Tuesday was good, he felt fine, moved great, went across the line with his ears pricked, so there’s no issue of him at all, to be fair, from what I feel.”

Anamoe has “improved significantly” since winning the Winx Stakes first-up and then George Main.

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“He looks even better again, his coat has tidied up, I can see him looking an absolute picture on Cox Plate Day, what James is peaking him for, fourth up 2000m,” McDonald said.

“He went down a nose last year (Cox Plate) and he’s a better horse this year.

“He’ll be there to make a statement Saturday (Might And Power Stakes) and hopefully he does and touchwood onto the Cox Plate.”

Reigning Melbourne Cup winner McDonald has three Group 1 opportunities on Saturday, including Caulfield Guineas favourite Golden Mile and fancied Toorak Handicap contender Laws Of Indices.

Originally published as Champion jockey James McDonald excited about Anamoe’s chances in Group 1 Might And Power Stakes at Caulfield