A huge crowd will be at Moonee Valley to witness the running of Australasia’s premiere Weight For Age race, the W.S Cox Plate. International horses dominate the betting with Japanese galloper LYS GRACIEUX ($3.75) to jump a well-supported favourite. Tasmanian Mare MYSTIC JOURNEY ($7) looks the best local hope.
The team at Palmerbet.com are offering $4.50 on Kiwi Star TE AKAU SHARK ($17) to finish in the top 5 in this year’s race. The Shark’s races have been well spaced this campaign and he continues to hit the line hard as he steps up in distance. On trial over the 2040 metres on Saturday, his jockey Opie Bosson only needs to slot in from the horror draw to feature in the finish.
The absence of WINX in this year’s Cox Plate has led to a capacity field and a much more open betting race. The Japanese horses are back in big numbers this spring and LYS GRACIEUX ($3.75) and KLUGER ($21) must be respected. The Aidan O’Brien trained MAGIC WAND ($14) has tactical speed while MYSTIC JOURNEY ran great sectionals despite getting well back in the Turnbull Stakes last start.
As the field makes the home turn there will be a host of winning chances. Luck in running will make all the difference.
Palmerbet CEO Grant Palmer said this week,“Without Winx to worry about this year, the runners have come from far and wide for this year's Cox Plate. After the dominance of MER DE GLACE in the Caulfield Cup, the Japanese horses have to be respected while the European raiders look to have great chances. We are happy to oppose TE AKAU SHARK to finish in the top 5 due to the gate and the quality of the opposition, but he will be cherry ripe on Saturday. It’s going to be a great race.”
