COX PLATE TO BE A STELLAR EVENT AGAIN

WHILE in some circles the 2023 Cox Plate is being talked down it could still be one of the races of the spring.

While Anamoe won’t be back to defend his crown it will still be an intriguing event made up of highly-rated international gallopers and the best of our locals.

Hong Kong champion Romantic Warrior, who has won ten of his 14 starts is rated their second-best middle-distance horse and ninth-best horse in the world is being set for the race. Romantic Warrior is a $4.20 favourite with PlayUp.

Ciaron Maher and Dave Eustace’s Light Infantry who finished third in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot at his last start.

Then there’s our local stars headed by Mr Brightside who if he can continue his trend of coming back better each preparation could be Australia’s best horse.

He has already won two Group 1 races and he’s sure to add to it.

The Anthony and Sam Freedman trained Without A Fight emerged as a possible star with his back-to-back Group 3 and 2 wins in Brisbane.

Then there’s Perth champion Amelia’s Jewel who Moonee Valley officials are attempting to convince his trainer Simon Miller to target the race.

Don’t forget Kiwi mare Legarto, who has only lost one race in her career and already top jockey Michael Dee has committed to riding her.

Throw in Alligator Blood, Gold Trip and an emerging three-year-old such as Steparty, there’s no doubt it will again be one of the races of the spring.

• $4.20 ROMANTIC WARRIOR
• $7.50 Paddington
• $8.50 Light Infantry, Without A Fight
• $14 Mr Brightside, Amelia’s Jewel, Prowess
• $16 Legarto
• $17 Al Riffa
• $23 Alligator Blood, Mounga, Militarize