Cox Plate – 2022

Track: Heavy  Weather: Showers

Twelve have accepted for Australia’s greatest weight for age race – the $5,000,000 Group 1 Cox Plate and Sydney trainer Annabel Neasham saddles up three of them.  Anamoe has been well fancied in betting ever since markets opened for this race almost 12 months ago and he gets here in red hot form having won all three starts this prep.  Zaaki was sensationally scratched as a red hot favourite on race morning last year and looks set to start second pick in the market 12 months on.  The international El Bodegon – now with Chris Waller – is the other horse under $10-1.

1. Zaaki (1)

Was a narrow third in the Caulfield Stakes last start and he gets here fourth up which should see him peaking at the right time.  He will be up on speed and should be in this for a long way.

2. I’m Thunderstruck (10)

Has gone to a new level this prep.  Latest a good second int he Caulfield Stakes behind race favourite Anamoe.  Looks likely to end up worse than midfield from barrier 10 but could get a nice cart into the race if he ends up on the back of El Bodegon.  Won’t want it too wet.  Each way chance.

3. Alligator Blood (12)

Won the Underwood Stakes at Sandown two back.  A strong 2000m and a wet track are big queries for him.

4. Mr Brightside (11)

Won the Doncaster Mile in April.  Improved run at Caulfield last start, after to one to forget in the Underwood.  He likes wet tracks and is two for two around the Valley.  Rough hope.

5. Mo’unga (9)

Funny horse.  Picked up late to run second in the Underwood, then not beaten far in the Caulfield Stakes.  Nash Rawiller should suit.

6. Gold Trip (7)

Is on the quick back up after running second in the Caulfield Cup last week.  He likes the wet, is rock hard fit and has drawn well.  Each way claims.

7. Laws Of Indices (3)

Was a really good run in the Toorak Handicap, getting back and running home strongly into second.  Drawn to do no work with last years Cox Plate winning jock John Allen in the saddle.

8. Young Werther (2)

Has been good at both runs back and is building nicely towards his target race – the Melbourne Cup.  First four chance in this.

9. Maximal (5)

Boxed on well in the Turnbull to run second.  Drawn to do no work but has won only one from fifteen and is not suited under weight for age conditions.

10. Anamoe (4)

Finished a narrow second in this race last year as a three year old and was probably stiff not to get the result on protest.  Unbeaten this prep, winning twice in Sydney, before surging late to win at Caulfield a fortnight ago.  Is every chance to end up in the one one for Jmac.  The one to beat.

11. Profondo (6)

Was very disappointing getting back on top of the ground in the Turnbull last start.  Would shock if he was any where near the finish here.

12. El Bodegon (8)

European galloper who is having his first start for Chris Waller.  His European form looks solid and he gets Damian Oliver from the good draw.  Market late your best guide.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
10. Anamoe	10. Anamoe
4 Mr Brightside	1 Zaaki
1 Zaaki	12. El Bodegon
3 Alligator Blood	6 Gold Trip

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	10 Anamoe
2nd	2 I’m Thunderstruck	0.4 length
3rd	12 El Bodegon	0.6 length
4th	1 Zaaki	1.35 lengths

The track was rated as Heavy 8.

There were no scratchings.