MO’UNGA might be out to additional frank his already assured stud future – and emulate his sire Savabeel – by profitable the Cox Plate as coach Annabel Neasham’s confidence rises a couple of constructive displaying on Saturday.
Already a twin Group 1 winner, the five-year-old horse was bought by Newhaven Park Stud in April and can stand at their New South Wales property on the finish of his racing days.
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But when he can add a Cox Plate win to his spectacular CV – as Neasham believes he can – it could elevate him to the following tier of stallions when he heads to the breeding barn.
“He’s a phenomenal horse … I wouldn’t be shocked if he causes an enormous upset,” Neasham stated.
“Newhaven are good supporters of the steady and honest play to them. They may in all probability have gone the Turnbull (Stakes) route or the weaker routes to attempt to win (one other Group 1), however they stated, ‘No, we are going to tackle the very best’.
“And he’s matching it with the very best. He’s an unbelievable horse.”
Savabeel gained the 2004 Cox Plate as a three-year-old, whereas Mo’unga ran a gallant fourth in final yr’s occasion, crushed simply over 4 lengths.
This yr Mo’unga goes in as a $26 likelihood, having completed final within the May And Energy, crushed 2¾ lengths.
He might be partnered by Nash Rawiller on Saturday, who was impressed with the notoriously poor observe employee on Tuesday.
“I believe Nash will actually swimsuit him and put him within the race,” Neasham stated.
“He (Mo’unga) is at all times underestimated, however he in all probability shouldn’t given his final 15 runs have all been at Group 1 stage and he has picked up a few them and had so many placings.
“I’m certain there may be one other good win across the nook for him. I wouldn’t be shocked if it was in a race like this. In a high-pressure race, you already know who’s going to be strongest late.”
Neasham has three runners within the race – Zaaki, Legal guidelines Of Indices and Mo’unga – and believes nearly as good because the favorite Anamoe is, he may be crushed.
“I believe each horse is beatable as we noticed in The Everest final Saturday, significantly at a observe like Moonee Valley,” she stated.
Initially revealed as Annabel Neasham bullish Mo’unga can spoil the day for Cox Plate favorite Anamoe