OTI Racing boss Terry Henderson eyes Cox Plate, Champions Day for Royal Ascot Group 1 runner-up Docklands

Leading syndicator Terry Henderson has confirmed the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes runner-up Docklands “is a realistic chance” to target the Cox Plate and then Champions Day at Flemington.

Docklands (white cap) finished second behind Charyn in The Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot. Picture: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Leading syndicator Terry Henderson has confirmed the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes runner-up Docklands “is a realistic chance” to target the Cox Plate and then Champions Day at Flemington.

Docklands, trained by Harry Eustace, brother of Melbourne Cup-winner David Eustace, placed second behind favourite Charyn in the 1609m feature at Royal Ascot.

“Naturally we are very happy with the run of Docklands and it now confirms that he is a realistic chance to come across to Australia in the spring,” OTI Racing boss Henderson told Racenet.

“Obviously, would like to heads towards the Cox Plate if it seemed the best race for him and follow up with a race at Flemington.”

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Either the Champions Mile (1600m) or Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on the last day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival would suit the consistent four-year-old.

Docklands, last year’s Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot, has raced eight times for two wins and five places.

What a start to Royal @Ascot! Charyn wins the Queen Anne Stakes! pic.twitter.com/CYVwtR8tm6

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 18, 2024

Docklands’s confirmation as an elite contender sets up OTI Racing to be a major player in the spring with New Zealand-trained Mark Twain qualified for the Melbourne Cup.

Deakin, trained by two-time Cup-winner Joseph O’Brien, could bolster the OTI team with a victory in the Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap (2400m) at Royal Ascot on Friday.

Eustace echoed the Melbourne spring ambitions.

“The plan was to always work back from Australia at the end of the year,” Eustace said.

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William Buick aboard Belloccio in The Copper Horse Handicap Stakes. Picture: Tom Dulat/Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse

Popular Irish trainer Willie Mullins could have a third Melbourne Cup contender after Belloccio saluted in the Copper Horse Handicap.

Mullins has signalled Vauban, last year’s Copper Horse winner, and Absurde could return to Australia for the spring.

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Vauban, favourite for the Cup last year, and Absurde were unplaced at Flemington in unsuitable dry and hot conditions.

Belloccio is set to run in the Melbourne Cup-qualifying Ebor Handicap at York next.

“This fellow will probably go to the Ebor. He’s entered here on Saturday, but we won’t make any decisions about this weekend yet,” Mullins said.

“We’ll see how he comes out of this race, and I think the bigger picture may come into it.

“The long-term aim might be to qualify for the Melbourne Cup.”

Originally published as OTI Racing boss Terry Henderson eyes Cox Plate, Champions Day for Royal Ascot Group 1 runner-up Docklands