Runner dumped in Cox Plate drama as final field confirmed
A leading trainer has been left in shock after a horse was sensationally axed from Australia’s richest weight-for-age race.
The Moonee Valley Racing Club committee were forced to make a decision on the final spot in Saturday’s Cox Plate after there were 15 acceptors for the weight-for-age classic.
With a capacity field of 14 runners, it was Buckhurst who missed out on a guaranteed start.
The committee were keen to see a three-year-old in the race, giving Grandslam, who was a late nomination for the Cox Plate, the final spot in the field, punters.com.au reports.
Buckhurst is the unlucky emergency.
Trainer Nick Williams said it was “extraordinary” for his runner to be dumped.
“I am in shock and I find it extraordinary to be honest,” he said.
“There are a couple of horses there that should be well behind Buckhurst.”
Pre-draw favourite Russian Camelot will jump from the widest gate, while Arcadia Queen, who upset the Danny O’Brien galloper in the Caulfield Stakes, will jump from barrier eight.
Russian Camelot has eased from $3.50 to $4.50 (TAB) after the draw with Arcadia Queen on the second line at $5.
Armory for Aidan O’Brien has joined Arcadia Queen on the second line, firming from $6.
The son of Galileo finished third behind Magical and Ghaiyyath at his most recent start in Ireland at Group One level.
He’ll jump from barrier six with Ben Melham aboard.
COX PLATE 2020 - FINAL FIELD AND BARRIERS
1. KOLDING (NZ), Barrier 10, Trainer Chris Waller, Jockey James McDonald
2. HUMIDOR (NZ), Barrier 14, Trainer Chris Waller, Jockey Craig Williams
3. FIERCE IMPACT (JPN), Barrier 12, Trainer Matthew Smith, Jockey Luke Currie
4. MASTER OF WINE (GER), Barrier 1, Trainer Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes
5. MUGATOO (IRE), Barrier 9, Trainer Kris Lees, Jockey John Allen
6. ASPETAR (FR), Barrier 3, Trainer Roger Charlton, Jockey Damian Lane
7. SIR DRAGONET (IRE), Barrier 7, Trainer Ciaron Maher & David Eustace, Jockey Glen Boss
8. MAGIC WAND (IRE), Barrier 4, Trainer Aidan O’Brien, Jockey Mark Zahra
9. ARCADIA QUEEN, Barrier 8, Trainer Grant & Alana Williams, Jockey William Pike
10. NETTOYER, Barrier 13, Trainer Wendy Roche, Jockey Billy Egan
11. RUSSIAN CAMELOT (IRE), Barrier 15, Trainer Danny O’Brien, Jockey Damien Oliver
12. ARMORY (IRE), Barrier 6, Trainer Aidan O’Brien, Jockey Ben Melham
13. PROBABEEL (NZ), Barrier 2, Trainer Jamie Richards, Jockey Kerrin McEvoy
14. GRANDSLAM, Barrier 5, Ciaron Maher & David Eustace, Jockey Jye McNeil
15. BUCKHURST (IRE), Barrier 11, Trainer Joseph O’Brien, Jockey Jamie Kah
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