South Africa Heading to the Tatts Cox Plate
The Tatts Cox Plate is one of Australia’s most prestigious racing events. It is run over a distance of 2040 meters and is a Group 1 race that has a purse of $3 million. Moonee Valley Racecourse is host to the event, which will take place on 28 October 2008, and already speculation over contenders has begun. Violencello won the first W.S. Cox Plate in 1922, which was named in honor of William Samuel Cox, the founder of the Monee Valley Racecourse.
Over the years, many racing greats have won this magnificent horse racing event and have been remembered on the W.S. Cox Plate Wall of Champions, including Octagonal, Rising Fast, Phar Lap, Super Impose, Northerly, Fields of Omagh, Sunline, Makybe Diva and El Segundo. This year there will be a very interesting field of contenders waiting for spectators, including three formidable racehorses from South Africa. The three horses that have been confirmed are Argonaut, Jay Peg and Mourilyan, and by looking at their racing careers so far, they will most definitely be adding flair to the Tatts Cox Plate.
Argonaut, a breathtaking three year old colt, has already shown his worth in South Africa by winning three of his four career starts, of which two victories were enjoyed at Group 1 level in 1400 meter and 1600 meter horse racing events. His talent and abilities did not go unnoticed by Australian, Phil Campbell, owner of Blue Gum Stud Farm, as he recently bought a fifty percent share in Argonaut and moved him to Australia to begin intensive training under the guidance of Lee Freedman. Argonaut is resting at present, after completing an eight week training program, before he starts his spring preparations.
The other two South African contenders are trained by Herman Brown, and Jay Peg is most definitely worthy of competing in the Tatts Cox Plate. Jay Peg, the top South African racehorse at present, caused a huge upset on 29 March 2008 at the Dubai World Cup, winning the $5 million Dubai Duty Free, raced over a distance of 1 770 meters at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse. He is set to run in the 18 May 2008 Singapore International Cup, after which he will be rested in preparation of the Melbourne Spring Festival. Mourilyan is also a strong contender, winning his first four career starts and gaining an 8th place in the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic, which is run over a distance of 2400 meters, under trainer John Oxx.
All eyes will most certainly be on these three horses, as they have the strength, speed and fitness to complete the Tatts Cox Plate comfortably. Watching these spectacular racing power houses in action will be a treat for everyone in attendance.
