Cox Plate Review: What The Jockeys Said

Lys Gracieux demolished her rivals in the Cox Plate and now gives Damian Lane a shot at history. Here’s What the jockeys said.

Damian Lane (Lys Gracieux – 1st)

The pace was a lot stronger than I thought it would be to the first corner. I just rode her back. She got a bit keen when the pace came out of the race but gee I was confident once I got her out down the straight. She probably didn’t get around the track too well but was just too good anyway.

Craig Williams (Castlevecchio – 2nd)

He was so awesome in defeat. The Japanese (horse) brought her right form but credit to trainer Richard Litt. He was so confident on Tuesday morning that he was a serious racehorse with blinkers on. I thought we’d see if the Japanese mare was as good as we thought, unfortunately she was but my horse did a great job.

Opie Bosson (Te Akau Shark – 3rd)

He ran a blinder. He got back from the draw and was good late. Had to stay to the inside and couldn’t get out. Full credit to him. It was a good run.

Ryan Moore (Magic Wand – 4th)

She travelled well in a good position and she kept galloping to the line as best she could. I thought she ran well all things considered.

Anthony Darmanin (Mystic Journey – 5th)

She was super. I’m proud of her. She did everything right. She travelled beautifully for me in the run but on the corner, she just didn’t really like the going because it was a bit choppy and she couldn’t really find her feet for 50 metres. She came again late.

Hugh Bowman (Kings Will Dream – 6th)

I couldn’t have asked for a better run in transit. He just didn’t have the engine that I’m accustomed to (in Cox Plates) but I was very pleased with him.

Kerrin McEvoy (Avilius – 7th)

He travelled round there nicely. I was happy with the way he went and he moved into a striking position on the home corner but he just levelled out the last furlong. They were a little bit strong for him today.

Dwayne Dunn (Harlem – 8th)

He ran well. They just went a fraction quick for him and he needs to travel a little bit harder and then he’ll have a bit better finish.

Brad Rawiller (Black Heart Bart – 9th)

Really proud of his performance, given it wasn’t the perfect scenario outside the leader. He’s a different horse when he gets cover.

Mark Zahra (Cape Of Good – 10th)

He had a beautiful run, followed Castelvecchio but maybe just got found wanting with sustained pressure.

Ben Melham (Homesman – 11th)

He jumped OK but I couldn’t see myself getting in handy with cover, which I felt was crucial today. He ended up back but I felt he had a cosy enough run. He got through them well but what you saw is what we got basically.

James McDonald (Verry Elleegant – 12th)

It’s probably a year too soon for her. She probably just doesn’t execute well enough for a Cox Plate. Even in the first corner, she got her head up. She finished off nicely but by the time the field had quickened up, she just couldn’t. She’s a big track horse.

Tommy Berry (Kluger – 13th)

It was too bad to be true really. We got into a nice spot down the side and he never travelled. Every time we went round a bend, he came off the bridle so may be the track is a bit too tight for him.

Jamie Spencer (Danceteria – 14th)

Didn’t handle the track. He travelled like it was a skating rink.