Strong card of racing for 2023 Cox Plate day
The two days at Moonee Valley come to a crescendo on Saturday afternoon but there are so many highlights.
It shapes as another intriguing G1 WS Cox Plate (2040m) with international interest aplenty. Romantic Warrior, the $4.00 favourite with online bookies, is the hope of Hong Kong but he will face challenges galore from youngsters like Victoria Road ($7), Militarize ($8) and King Colorado ($17).
There has also been a change with the G1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) moved to this day permanently this year and Imperatriz ($1.50) just has to keep her Moonee Valley form flying. Some mares coming from Everest day will be contenders like Bella Nipotina ($11) and I Am Me ($8).
Nominations were extended for the G2 Crystal Mile (1600m) and the kiwis will pose a lot of focus here with Prowess ($4.20) and Mustang Valley ($10).
Derby hopefuls run in the G2 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m) where Snowman ($6), Port Lockroy ($9) and Apulia ($11) ones to consider.
The girls take on the G2 Moonee Valley Fillies Classic (1600m) and a few heading south will be right in the reckoning. Broadcaster ($6), Captain Amelia ($4.50) and Pier Pressure ($15) will be in the frame.
Friday night we see the running of the G2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) and some Melbourne Cup aspirations will be on show. Horses like El Bodegon ($11), Future History ($6) and Vow And Declare ($5) will be well fancied.
Another Cup is on that card with the JRA Cup (2040m) and Ain'Tnodeeldun ($5) finding his best and could take on a horse who was placed in a Derby in Suizuro ($9).
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