Cox Plate: can Anamoe become most prolific horse at Group 1 level for Godolphin?

Saturday: 7.10 Moonee Valley
Ladbrokes Cox Plate (Group 1) | 1m2f | 3yo+ | Sky

Australian star Anamoe will attempt to become the most decorated horse in Godolphin’s history by winning a seventh Group 1 race in Saturday’s Ladbrokes Cox Plate at Moonee Valley (7.10).

The four-year-old, who was denied in controversial circumstances in last year’s mile and a quarter championship weight-for-age contest, is tied on six elite-level wins.

He sits alongside the globetrotting Fantastic Light – winner of the 2001 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot and Breeders’ Cup Turf of the same year – and Daylami, who from 1997-99 won seven Group 1 races, six of which were in the royal blue of Sheikh Mohammed’s racing empire.

A year ago, connections fired in a protest, alleging interference, when Anamoe was beaten a head by State Of Rest, which was subsequently dismissed, but the colt is the 5-4 favourite to make amends and hand Godolphin a first win in the Cox Plate.

"It's a pretty special record the horse holds and hopefully by keeping him in training we can continue to build on that record," said trainer James Cummings, with Godolphin this week suggesting the horse could compete in Dubai and Royal Ascot next year.

"Sheikh Mohammed enjoys challenging his horses. He's not shy of pressing on with a horse at an older age and it's given us the opportunity, and every other breeder in the country the opportunity, to see just how good Anamoe is.”

Another seeking redemption is the Annabel Neasham-trained Zaaki, who, as favourite for the feature last year, was withdrawn on race morning due to an elevated temperature.

The British import, who was bred by Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe-winning owner Kirsten Rausing, is the 7-2 second favourite.

Neasham told Racing.com: "Zaaki was favourite last year and there was all this pressure, and at the time you think, 'I wonder if I'll ever be in this position again', and it's gone from you. But here we are 12 months later."

Chris Waller, who won four Cox Plates with Winx, will aim to add to that haul with the formerly James Ferguson-trained Group 1 winner El Bodegon.

The 15-2 chance attempts to become the third consecutive European-bred horse to win the race when he steps back to a mile and a quarter, having twice been beaten over a mile and a half.

El Bodegon: leading contender for Chris WallerCredit: Scott Burton

"We're just happy to have done our job and get him down in one piece," Ferguson said. "I'm very much looking forward to it and Chris [Waller] is delighted with him.

“A mile and a quarter would be his ideal trip at the moment, but I certainly feel he's a horse that will stay further in time."

Jamie Spencer has travelled to Melbourne to ride the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Gold Trip, who finished a head second in last weekend's Caulfield Cup.

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