This is a race that shapes as a bloody interesting contest, providing the correct participants head there. There's a raft of dynamic and versatile horses that fall into the 4 year old category next year; Sprinters, Milers, Classics horses that will drop back in distance and have a crack. I'm not super enthused by the timing of it, but it is what it is so we may as well have a look at what might be served up.
Mystic Journey & Arcadia Queen both may be on Cox Plate paths, but I can't see the connections not having a throw at the stumps here if they don't win the week before.
Brutal another obvious candidate, 1500m suits perfectly.
After that, it becomes a little more interesting with a few sprinters; Sunlight, Terbium, Classique Legend, Graff etc. all recognised competitors over a shorter trip, and how far class will take them out of their comfort zone is to be seen.
And at the other end of the spectrum; Oaks winners like Princess Jenni, Verry Ellegant both have been effective over the mile-ish previously, so if set for it, can they feature? Mr Quickie probably fits into this category from the boys.
Could someone like a Ringerdingding take a step in the off season and power home with the race run correctly?
There's probably going to be one come from the clouds between now and then of course as well. But there's 10 that spring immediately to mind.
Certainly something interesting to look forward to, at any rate.
Mystic Journey & Arcadia Queen both may be on Cox Plate paths, but I can't see the connections not having a throw at the stumps here if they don't win the week before.
Brutal another obvious candidate, 1500m suits perfectly.
After that, it becomes a little more interesting with a few sprinters; Sunlight, Terbium, Classique Legend, Graff etc. all recognised competitors over a shorter trip, and how far class will take them out of their comfort zone is to be seen.
And at the other end of the spectrum; Oaks winners like Princess Jenni, Verry Ellegant both have been effective over the mile-ish previously, so if set for it, can they feature? Mr Quickie probably fits into this category from the boys.
Could someone like a Ringerdingding take a step in the off season and power home with the race run correctly?
There's probably going to be one come from the clouds between now and then of course as well. But there's 10 that spring immediately to mind.
Certainly something interesting to look forward to, at any rate.