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Grandslam chasing Cox Plate start

3 minute read

Grandslam will be in action in the upcoming Group 1 Cox Plate at The Valley.

Trainers : David Eustace & Ciaron Maher.
Trainers : David Eustace & Ciaron Maher. Picture: Inglis

Trainers Ciaron Maher And David Eustace hope to have dual representation in the $5 million Group 1 Cox Plate at The Valley on Saturday with three-year-old Grandslam a late entry. 

Placed in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas at his last start, the trainers are hopeful of gaining a start with the younger brother of multiple Group 1 winner Jameka. 

Jameka did not start in a Cox Plate during her 24-start career that netted six wins, but did win the Group 2 Vase on the same program in 2015. 

"He's improved from the Guineas," Eustace said. 

"He was only third up into that race and he's taken really good improvement from it fitness wise. 

"We really hope we get a run in the race as we think he can run a bold race down in the weights." 

Eustace said Jye Mc Neil had been booked for the ride if the colt makes Saturday's field. 

Grandslam will return to The Valley on Tuesday for another look at the circuit after heading there last Saturday for a quiet look around. 

New stablemate Sir Dragonet also galloped at The Valley on Saturday, but Eustace said the plan was for the imported galloper to stay at Caulfield. 

Sir Dragonet completed his quarantine at Werribee on the weekend. 

"We've been happy with him and he got around The Valley fine," Eustace said. 

"We've got the option of taking him to the beach after he works which we think will be a great thing. 

"It will be something new to him and I'm sure it will stimulate him a bit. 

"Ciaron was happy with his work on Saturday and James Winks, who has been riding him in all his work, galloped him and knows him well, and he was happy with him. 

"He's a fit horse. We wanted to get his (main) gallop in a week out instead of five days and this way we can freshen him up into the race. 

"Hopefully we'll get a smooth run into the race now." 

The final field for Saturday's weight-for-age championship will be declared on Tuesday with the barrier draw conducted around 9am. 

Sir Dragonet sits on the fourth line of betting with TAB at $9 while Grandslam is a $26 chance. 

Russian Camelot heads the market at $3.50 from Arcadia Queen ($5) and Armory ($6). 


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