Will the internationals come for the 2017 Cox Plate if Winx runs?
THE success of the Melbourne spring carnival is often decided by the international contingent, but will Winx scare off all the middle distance contenders for the Cox Plate?
The champion Chris Waller-trained mare is seeking its third consecutive Cox Plate at Moonee Valley this year, but will any of the right international invitees return positively for the Moonee Valley Racing Club?
The club released the first eight invitations for the Ladbrokes Cox Plate on Thursday with Moonee Valley chief executive Michael Browell admitting it’s not an easy decision to take on the world’s best.
“It’s a challenge for a horse to come half way around the world to face the horse who is rated the highest rated horse in the world on turf,” Browell said.
Racing Victoria’s recruiting scout Leigh Jordan, who recently went on a recruiting mission to Japan and Hong Kong, said he spoke to the connections of Neorealism.
“The Japanese have opened up their breeding industry and they are keen to shuttle their stallions to the second largest broodmare population in the world,” Jordon said.
“What better way of marketing their product by winning a feature race.”
Hong Kong champion Werther has also been asked and John Moore has already expressed his desire to come to Australia for the carnival.
“His trainer John Moore is very keen to have a runner in the Cox Plate,” Jordon said.
Highland Reel finished third behind Winx in 2015 and has again been invited for global trainer Aidan O’Brien.
“Highland Reel won the Coronation Cup at his last start,” Jordan said.
“It would be a stronger and more mature horse to take on Winx this year.”
Cox Plate international invitees:
Makahiki – Japan
Ribchester – UK
Werther – Hong Kong
Neorealism – Japan
Scottish – UK
Highland Reel – UK
Decorated Knight – UK
Mekhtaal – France
2017 Cox Plate market
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