For dual winner So You Think, a third Cox Plate is a potential opportunity, though any real possibility of the champion’s comeback likely hinges on the unpredictable nature of Australia’s quarantine laws.
Aidan O’Brien, So You Think’s Irish trainer, has entered the five-year-old in the race he has claimed victory in for the last two years, showing interest in bringing the horse back for what is likely to be his final season.
However, O’Brien has voiced his irritation regarding the strict quarantine regulations that would come into play even before he leaves his stables at Ballydoyle in Ireland.
Leigh Jordon from Racing Victoria mentioned, “Aidan has indicated he would certainly return if the quarantine conditions are satisfactory.”
“Progress is being made in that regard, but there are still a few matters that need addressing.”
Previously, Australian quarantine officials had cleared Ballydoyle, but that approval was only temporary and has since lapsed.
A recent assessment of the renowned training facility uncovered certain issues that must be fixed before Ballydoyle can once again receive approval.
Jordon noted that this matter has frustrated O’Brien, whose last visit to Australia ended on a sour note when his three entries placed at the back of the pack in the 2008 Melbourne Cup, leading to his being called to a stewards’ inquiry regarding their performances.
It is believed that the quarantine service identified one of the key issues as the need to separate the horses bound for Australia from the other horses at Ballydoyle.
“It’s really about minor details, but Aidan feels that things were acceptable before, so they should be acceptable now — and he is reluctant to make any changes,” Jordon said.
Australian regulations stipulate that horses must spend two weeks in quarantine prior to departure to Australia and an additional two weeks upon arrival.
There’s no doubt that the Cox Plate is a priority for O’Brien, as evidenced by his second entry nomination of Cape Blanco, a recent Group I winner in America.
Both horses feature among the 189 entries for the $3 million Cox Plate (2040m) and are part of a 13-strong international entry.
Also nominated is Americain, the previous year’s Melbourne Cup champion, who stands as one of two entries from France, alongside Dangerous Midge, the English-trained victor of last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf in the US.
Entries for the Caulfield Cup, which also closed on Tuesday, included the English stayer Tactician, who is owned by the Queen, and the 2008 Melbourne Cup runner-up Bauer.
The staying feature has also drawn five entries from Japan, two from Germany, and one from Hong Kong.
by Buford Balony
