Of $3000000 and $50000 trophies. 1st $1800000 and trophies of $35000 to owner $4800 to trainer $4800 to jockey $5400 to strapper, 2nd $440000, 3rd $220000, 4th $130000, 5th $110000, 6th $100000, 7th $100000, 8th $100000.

For Three-Years-Old and Upwards. Standard Weight for Age. (GROUP 1).

No Allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 14 + 4 EM

The $2.65 million Caulfield Cup, the world’s richest 2400m handicap race on turf, has attracted 25 overseas entries in an overall nomination of 222, including the past two Melbourne Cup winners Americain and Dunaden.

Dunaden’s trainer Mikel Delzangles has also entered Vadamar and Zack Hall and his French compatriot Alain de Royer Dupre has nominated Shawardi along with Americain.

The new phenomenon of Australian-owned foreign entires is apparent in the Caulfield Cup with seven nominations fitting that category, including the recent Goodwood winner Quest For Peace, Gatewood, Ibicenco and Prairie Star, all owned by OTI Racing.

Prominent among the local nominations is last year’s favourite December Draw who suffered a serious injury in the 2011 race.

Trainer Mark Kavanagh said the horse had recovered well and, most significantly, had put on considerable weight.

“Last year he was a scrawny horse with long hair,” Kavanagh said.

“But he was still good enough to win a string of races and start favourite.”

Kavanagh said the extra weight will allow him to give December Draw a more traditional Cups preparation.

One of the picks of the local entry will be Manighar, the former English galloper who had an outstanding autumn under the guidance of Peter Moody.

The Caulfield Cup is run on October 20 with the Cox Plate a week later.

In the case of the $3 million Cox Plate, a champagne crop of young local gallopers added to the international contingent promise to make this year’s running a vintage one.

Among the 137 Australian entries for the race are the unbeaten pair Atlantic Jewel and Pierro, All Too Hard, the glamour mare More Joyous and the multiple Group One winner Mosheen.

From overseas, the classy English-trained Dubai World Cup placegetter Planteur is nominated, along with the French Derby winner Reliable Man and Master Of Hounds, the fourth placegetter in the Kentucky Derby and a Group One winner in Dubai.

Further entries from Italy and the United States have been received by the Moonee Valley Racing Club which sent personal invitations to the 10 best 2000m horses in the world, including the unbeaten English superstar, Frankel.

Frankel’s owner Prince Khalid Abdullah declined, but Moonee Valley chief executive Michael Browell said the gesture had to be made.

“It was probably never going to happen, but that’s how highly we regard our race,” Browell said.

Racing Victoria’s international recruiter Leigh Jordon says a combination of a high Australian dollar, struggling European economies and the comparatively large rewards offered in Australian racing had been responsible for the record foreign entry.

Marco Botti’s top-class middle-distance performer was a leading fancy for the Group Two contest but after walking the track, connections felt conditions were too fast and decided not to run.

Botti admits it was a frustrating scenario and it now means that provided the ground is deemed suitable, he is likely to meet the world’s highest-rated racehorse back at York in the Juddmonte International on August 22.

“We decided to pull him out because we just felt the ground was too quick and we didn’t want to take a risk,” said Botti.

“It was a shame as it looked a good opportunity for him and it was the right race, but it was just one of those things.

“The intention has always been to run him in the Juddmonte International and as long as the ground is right for him there, he will probably run.

“I’m not saying he needs soft ground, but he likes a bit of juice in the ground and fast ground is not for him.

“He will run wherever the ground is right and obviously we are going to meet Frankel if we go to York.

“If we think the ground is too fast again, he has the option of the Irish Champion Stakes, so we will see.”

Planteur was among a record number of foreign entries when nominations closed on Tuesday for the Cox Plate.

The trainer has guided Atlantic Jewel to seven victories from as many starts and to a point where she is one of the most valuable thoroughbred mares in the world.

But as she approaches the start of her four-year-old season, he is as modest as she is talented.

“She trains herself, really,” Kavanagh said.

“I put the saddle on and point her in the right direction.

“But she does most of it, she’s a dream.”

Atlantic Jewel is a daughter of Fastnet Rock, a son of the mighty Danehill and is from a Zabeel mare who won two of her only three starts.

But her impeccable pedigree and racing record are further enhanced by the opportunities her owners, the Irish-based Coolmore Stud, can provide her when she retires.

Coolmore owns a collection of the finest thoroughbred stallions in the world and Atlantic Jewel is likely to have the pick of them.

A resultant colt foal could be worth a small fortune in the sale ring and a large one when he, in turn, goes to the stud.

With her future beyond the racetrack in mind, Kavanagh is not rushing into a spring program with Atlantic Jewel, except to say it will conclude with the $3 million Cox Plate (2040m).

“I’ll be sitting down with the Coolmore guys this weekend to have a talk about a program,” he said.

“But the Cox Plate is there for her.

“She’s won at her only attempt at Moonee Valley and she won her only run at 2000 metres by seven lengths.”

Kavanagh said Atlantic Jewel had made a quick recovery from her short autumn campaign and had put on 25kg since.

“She’s a little stronger but much more athletic,” he said.

The most likely choice for a return to racing is the Group Two Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on September 1.

It is Australia’s best race, featuring the greatest horses and incredible drama.

For anyone who hasn’t been to a Cox Plate, the atmosphere is something to behold.

Even the staunchest opponent of horse racing would have to be moved by the roar of the crowd as the field thunders down the straight.

This year may not be a great Cox Plate, but it is definitely not the worst by any stretch of the imagination.

It has all the hallmarks of a competitive and intriguing weight for age championship.

Just Horse Racing’s Andrew Hawkins has compiled this preview for readers:

1. EFFICIENT (5)

I love this horse, which surprises me given he was my tip to run last in the 2007 Melbourne Cup! He burnt me that day, but I still really like the horse. Having analysed his leadup to the 2007 Melbourne Cup, I now realise his preparation actually wasn’t that bad! The thing is, he had one start in the blinkers – and that was in the 2007 Cox Plate. He hated them, surprising given he is by Zabeel. Seeing as he isn’t on a Melbourne Cup preparation this time around, you could only expect a better run from him. The query is, does he have the match fitness? And is he going as well as he has in the past? I can’t tip him on top, but he’s the horse that I’ll be cheering. Would be an incredible story if he could get up and win. He’s in my selections nevertheless.

2. DESCARADO

SCRATCHED

3. WALL STREET (7)

This used to be one of my favourite horses, I loved him. It’s hard to believe I made this horse my third selection last year behind So You Think and More Joyous! This year, I have him rated closer to last. I’ve come to the conclusion that he defies his breeding and is a pure miler – surprising given his sire is Montjeu. His form this preparation has been below what he showed last year. Still, if he doesn’t miss the start this year he may end up in a better position. I’d be very disappointed to see him win given that my faith in him has almost disappeared – but I have to say, it looks very unlikely. Hard to see him even placing really.

4. GLASS HARMONIUM (4)

English import who, for mine, is the forgotten horse of the race. He’s been very good this preparation without winning. He was the run of the race in the Turnbull Stakes, and that day he defeated the likes of Playing God, Rekindled Interest, Efficient and Shamrocker. December Draw started favourite in the Caulfield Cup (but was sadly injured midrace) so there’s obviously a wrap on that form. Moonee Valley should suit too. As long as he doesn’t get into a speed battle with Helmet early, he looks a very nice chance.

5. JIMMY CHOUX (9)

The Kiwi superstar who is attempting to repeat the feats of 1991 Cox Plate winner Surfers Paradise. He has been fantastic this preparation. He was a very game second to subsequent Toorak Handicap winner King Mufhasa in the Makfi Challenge Stakes – one of the best races of this spring carnival on both sides of the Tasman to date – before turning the tables in the Windsor Park Plate. He then recorded a win in the Spring Classic, which in terms of strength was nowhere near the quality of the other two races. He was lacklustre at Breakfast with the Best on Tuesday, but then recorded a sizzling gallop at Flemington on Thursday. I am tipping others but he looks hard to beat.

6. SINCERO (6)

Of all of the horses in this race, he is probably the fairytale – the bargain buy who has come good. He cost only $8000 at the sales! It would be great to see Steve “Crusher” Farley, Chris O’Brien and all the owners win a Cox Plate – I still believe that standing next to Sincero’s owners when he won the Stradbroke was one of my great racing memories. Now, his run at Caulfield was just bizarre. I thought he would run last at the 600m, but somehow he motored late to grab fifth. For me, I have no doubt that he runs the trip. I think the query is Moonee Valley. But if he handles the track, he’s definitely a winning hope. Too much of a query for me to back him with confidence, but I think he’s a definite place chance.

7. LION TAMER (14)

I still think this horse is a potential star, even after his flop last start in the Caulfield Stakes. I don’t think the outside barrier is necessarily a bad thing for Lion Tamer – I expect him to shoot across from the outside to take up a forward position. I’m not sure whether he can win this race, but I expect it will prime him for the Melbourne Cup. No matter where he finishes today, he must be included in Melbourne Cup selections as that is the race for which he is being primed. Furthermore, Flemington and the 3200m will suit him down to the ground. Even still, he has some chance today.

8. PLAYING GOD (13)

West Australian who is always around the mark but struggles to win. For mine, he is not the most genuine of horses, and I don’t think he quite has the class of some of his rivals. Moonee Valley could be interesting, as it seems the sort of track for which he’d be suited – a horse with a short sprint. That said, the wide barrier probably makes it hard for him to race in his favoured position midfield, so he’ll either have to go forward or right back. Too many negatives for me to say he can win, but he could run a place at odds.

9. REKINDLED INTEREST (3)

A very good winner of the AAMI Vase on this day last year, defeating today’s rival and subsequent Derby winner Lion Tamer. He’s only a Group 2 winner, which instantly raises queries – not many horses win this race not having won a Group 1 before. In fact, So You Think’s first Cox Plate may be the only example of this in recent times! However, he’s a Moonee Valley specialist which is a big plus. His trackwork was outstanding on Tuesday, and was the basis of heavy support when the first final field markets came out – he was into $6 after as much as $13 was first offered. For me, I don’t think he’s the classiest horse in the field but his love of Moonee Valley means he cannot be overlooked. In the mix.

10. SHAMROCKER (1)

Australian Guineas and AJC Derby winner who has not shown much this preparation. She was just okay in the Turnbull Stakes, and I think the aim is definitely the Melbourne Cup. Has never performed at Caulfield and I doubt she’ll be suited by Moonee Valley – seems to be a big track horse. The inside may make it difficult too, as she’ll probably get caught in a bottleneck on the home turn. This is not her grand final and I would be very surprised if she placed. Not for mine.

11. PINKER PINKER (11)

Consistent mare who has done very well this campaign. She won the Let’s Elope Stakes, was just as good as King’s Rose when second in the Stocks Stakes and then just no match for Secret Admirer in the Epsom. I’m not a big fan of the horse, but consistency is a gem, especially in mares. Don’t think this is the right race for her but she could possibly run a place. Nevertheless, she’s not one of mine and I won’t be including her.

12. SECRET ADMIRER (8)

Dominant Epsom winner. She’s improving all the time, and although I couldn’t put her in the same boat as Sunline, she seems very similar to where Sunline was at the same stage of their careers. In fact, Sunline was beaten in the Epsom by Allez Suez – a good horse, but hardly dominant. The thing is, Secret Admirer probably has more room for improvement too. If anything, the query will be whether Moonee Valley suits her racing pattern. And that’s a big query. She’ll probably be circling out wide. I have no doubts about her at 2040m, and if she has any luck she’ll be right in the finish.

13. KING’S ROSE (2)

I’ll never forget the day she won the NZ 1000 Guineas. I remember thinking, who is this upstart? I had backed We Can Say It Now after some shrewd Kiwi judges had told me that filly was a superstar – and anyone who saw the race knows she should have won if not for interference caused by the horse that finished second over the line. But as the season went on, and King’s Rose kept winning, it became clear she was a serious horse. I think she had come to the end of her preparation by the time she was beaten at her last two starts last season. This campaign, she’s been great with wins in the Memsie and the Stocks Stakes (the form race of the spring!!) and a second to King Mufhasa in the Toorak. For me, I still think she’ll be better next year and that her best is still short of what is required to win this race. But really, it is very hard to dismiss her.

14. HELMET (10)

Gun three year old who has already won three Group 1′s! In all three Group 1′s, he has led, so it is naturally assumed that he will lead here. And then, it becomes a question of pace. Will something come across and take him on? Will he get his own way in front? It is the intriguing question, and one which I believe will determine the result of the race. There is the obvious query about him at the distance and a speed battle will negate that. Furthermore, he had a setback yesterday which could hamper him. I still think he’s the one to beat, and if he is right and has an ounce of luck he will win. But with that little incident yesterday, I’m going to relegate him to my second pick.

15. AVIENUS (12)

First emergency who got a run with the scratching of Descarado. She ran out of her skin to finish sixth last year, and I think that is about her level. Returned to form last start with a second to Descarado in the Yalumba Stakes. I think she can place at the very best, but good luck to connections. Not many horses run in two Cox Plates, so for this horse to run in two – given she’s probably not a top class horse but a good, consistent mare – is a credit to her trainer.

16. YOSEI

SCRATCHED

SUMMARY

I originally had Helmet on top, and I still think he’s the one to beat. But this morning, I’ve really warmed to GLASS HARMONIUM. I think he’s the forgotten horse in the race, and I’m now going to tip the English import on top. As I said, HELMET’s the one to beat, but that setback yesterday has me a bit cautious when it comes to him. I couldn’t let EFFICIENT go around without me having something each way on him, and after seeing his trackwork with Midas Touch and his Moonee Valley stats, I’m convinced he may be the fly in the ointment. Fourth, I could go for any one of a number of runners, but I’ll go with JIMMY CHOUX. Next best Lion Tamer and Secret Admirer. I’m a fan of this Cox Plate – can’t wait to see it run in a matter of hours! Good luck with your investments.

NUMBERS

4- GLASS HARMONIUM
14 – HELMET
1 – EFFICIENT
5 – JIMMY CHOUX

Form Guide

Race One: Microflite Inglis Banner 1000m
Back Me: Lamingtons was good down the straight behind a handy type in Cambiaso. Has the experience, hard to beat.
Don’t Back Me: Rise To The Top was good on debut but he has plenty going against him.
Big Danger: So Sure trialled nicely at Bendigo recently and is drawn well to do something on debut here.
Roughie: Go The Cats hasn’t been seen in public but the booking of Corey Brown is a positive lead.

Race Two: Essendon Jeep Stakes 1600m
Back Me: Going for Torah. Had the race won but the hard work just told late. She’ll get back and run on well late in a weak race.
Don’t Back Me: Big drop in grade for Bliss Street, but 59.5kg for a filly so early into the season is a big query.
Big Danger: Classic Elle had a bit of weight and bias against her when running a strong second at Moonee Valley and looks a threat here.
Roughie: Twilighting had the on-pace bias in her favour when beating Classic Elle but she’ll be thereabouts in the finish.

Race Three: 1300 Australia Stakes 1200m
Back Me: Karuta Queen will be winning if she has held her form. Second to Black Caviar last start puts her on top.
Don’t Back Me: Beckon wasn’t overly impressive last start and there is a big wrap on this youngster, but I’m happy to pass.
Big Danger: Miss Stellabelle was very impressive last start at this track and distance and Oliver will give it the gun run from the barrier.
Roughie: Glissade on a firmer track may bounce back to the form she was in earlier on in her career.

Race Four: Mitchelton Wines Vase 2040m
Back Me: Manawanui was the star track worker on Tuesday and a repeat effort here gets him home.
Don’t Back Me: Hard to say because it is a small field and there is an odds on pop that should win, maybe Power Broker.
Big Danger: Collar is looking for 2000m and beyond and the small field should see him sit on the back of Manawanui and run a nice second.
Roughie: Scelto will sit on the speed and may kick on for first four punters.

Race Five: Schweppes Stakes 1200m
Back Me: Do we need to bother? Black Caviar. That is all.
Don’t Back Me: It’d be silly writing something here.
Big Danger: Not a big danger, but Scenic Blast should get the good run and finish second in his comeback race after a stint in the US.
Roughie: Balavan will roll forward and has the best front running rider on top in Nash. Trifecta chance.

Race Six: Drake International Cup 2500m
Back Me: Looks a perfect race for Caulfield Cup placegetter Tullamore. Leads comfortably from the barrier and should just win.
Don’t Back Me: Americain is thrown in at the weights, but I’d rather watch him than back him.
Big Danger: Back to Moonee Valley is a big tick for Linton, who needs to find form heading into the Melbourne Cup.
Roughie: Paddy O’Reilly has drawn the fence and will get the soft run. Might run first three.

Race Seven: Drummond Golf Crystal Mile 1600m
Back Me: Danleigh worked well on Tuesday at Moonee Valley and if he brings his a-game, he’ll go very close to winning.
Don’t Back Me: Testa My Patience has had only one unplaced run in his 13 start career…here at Moonee Valley. Be cautious if you like him.
Big Danger: Luen Yat Forever is dying to win a race and if the pace is on for him, he’ll be threatening big time in the finish.
Roughie: Dao Dao caught the eye in the Toorak and is in the same boat as the one mentioned above.

Race Eight: Tatts W S Cox Plate 2040m
Back Me: Jimmy Choux is a champion. He has handled Moonee Valley well. Forget his work on Tuesday. He has the class and talent to win.
Don’t Back Me: Helmet. Awkward barrier, he’ll do some work from the barrier and although he got away with it last start, he won’t against the big boys and girls.
Big Danger: Secret Admirer looks to have plenty of upside left and if they go crazy in front, look out for her.
Roughie: Not the best draw for Pinker Pinker, but she is in good form and looks good overs in betting.

Race Nine: Trojan Hands Tool Stakes 1600m
Back Me: Little Surfer Girl hasn’t run a place in three attempts at 1600m but her last start win oozed class.
Don’t Back Me: Lady Lynette had every hope last start and she is poorly weighted against some classy mares here.
Big Danger: Avienus has a fab record at Moonee Valley and looks the class factor.
Roughie: Neriani was super in defeat last time out. She stepped up from 1100m to 1600m for that run and with that run under her belt, she’ll be a decent exotic chance.

Written by Adam Page

Bary is confident his four-year-old galloper can take out the weight-for-age championship over 2040 metres at the Melbourne track – 25 years after the great Bonecrusher prevailed in a classic duel against another kiwi Waverley Star.

After lacklustre trackwork on Tuesday, Jimmy Choux reportedly stunned clockers with a blistering gallop on Thursday – going against usual training conventions.

But Bary said he was sticking to his normal training practices with the horse.

“His main work is done on a Saturday and a Thursday,” he told The Australian newspaper.

“I don’t get hung up on times. I just said to (jockey) Jonathan (Riddell) to let him go out and bowl along.

“You ask anyone that has trained a good one, and I mean a good one, not just one that has won a cup but a champion.

“Maybe the Aussies aren’t giving Jimmy enough respect, the fact that he is a very good horse that can run good times.”

Bary said that with luck in running Jimmy Choux would storm over his rivals in the Cox Plate, adding he’s “got a massive turn of foot and a very fast finish”.

Caulfield Guineas winner Helmet is $A3.30 favourite with TAB Sportsbet.

Jimmy Choux, unbeaten in three 2000m starts, is the second pick at $A4.40 with Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes winner Rekindled Interest at $A6.50.

NZN

Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said big bets started rolling in once Descarado was a confirmed scratching with Helmet now likely to get an easier time in front.

“We took a bet of $10,000, a couple of bets of $5000 and a number of bets of $3000 and $2000 and he will run a clear favourite now after there was little between him and Jimmy Choux in early betting,” Sullivan said.

“There is likely to be a lot less early pressure in the race with Descarado scratched and Helmet could well get an unchallenged lead with only the likes of Lion Tamer and possibly Playing God pushing forward from out wide.

“Less pressure and the fact he will only carry 49.5kg should give him every chance to stick out a strong 2040m.”

Sullivan said Jimmy Choux had been friendless with punters drifting from $3.80 to $5.00 with good money still rolling in for Rekindled Interest.

“Rekindled Interest has been a big go shortening from $13 to $6.00 and he is now challenging Jimmy Choux for second favouritism after opening nearly $10 longer in betting,” Sullivan said.

2011 COX PLATE

Sportingbet Australia Market

HELMET 3.25

JIMMY CHOUX 5.00

REKINDLED INTEREST 6.00

SECRET ADMIRER 11.00

GLASS HARMONIUM 11.00

KINGS ROSE 11.00

LION TAMER 16.00

SINCERO 21.00

EFFICIENT 21.00

PINKER PINKER 34.00

SHAMROCKER 41.00

PLAYING GOD 51.00

AVIENUS 51.00

WALL STREET 61.00

Choux Prices Rise! Is Jimmy a Choux In?How many more shoe related puns can we do?! There is plenty of buzz around New Zealand’s star Jimmy Choux as we head into this week’s Cox Plate at Moonee Valley. Having won his last two starts, plenty are declaring Jimmy a Choux thing.
We’ve decided to give our punters the best of both worlds this week with a fantastic two part offer. Not only will we commit to being top price for Jimmy Choux all week including Saturday, if the horse runs second and you’ve placed your first bet on him, we’ll refund your money!

Jimmy Choux Cash Back Offer:

• Back Jimmy Choux to Win or Each Way the Cox Plate
• If Jimmy Choux finishes 2nd, we’ll refund your cash up to $100.
  Note: Make your 1st bet count – back Jimmy Choux to Win or Each wayto be eligible for the offer.Cox Plate – Jimmy Choux Money Back Special – Offer Terms:
  1. The Refund Offer applies only Win or Each Way wager placed over the Internet or Mobile phone at m.sportsbet.com.au on the Final Field market. Only the 1st bet on the Cox Plate race will be deemed eligible for the Offer. The 1st bet must be a Win or Each Way bet. A member who has placed a bet on the pre-post markets prior to 18th Oct can place their 1st bet on the Final Field market and the bet on the Final Field market will be eligible for the Offer.
  2. For the Refund component of the offer to be valid, Jimmy Choux must finish the race in 2nd place. A dead or triple dead heat for 2nd will void the Offer. A Dead Heat for 2nd will be eligible for the Offer.
  3. Free Bets placed on a selection are excluded for the Offer. Multibet wagers are excluded from the Offer.
  4. The Refund offer will equal the value of the Members stake. The maximum refund is $100 per member. Only the Win portion of Each Way bets will be refunded (eg. a $50 Each Way bet will receive a $50 refund).
  5. The Refund will be credited to the member’s account as a separate cash transaction by 6pm Saturday 22 October 2011 and the member will receive an email confirming the bonus has been paid on Monday, 24th October 2011.

1. Efficient	21.00	21.00	21.00	21.00	21.00
2. Descarado	scr	scr	scr	scr	scr
3. Wall Street	61.00	61.00	71.00	81.00	61.00
4. Glass Harmonium	12.00	11.00	12.00	13.00	12.00
5. Jimmy Choux	5.00	4.80	4.40	4.50	5.00
6. Sincero	21.00	21.00	21.00	21.00	21.00
7. Lion Tamer	17.00	16.00	17.00	15.00	17.00
8. Playing God	61.00	51.00	51.00	51.00	61.00
9. Rekindled Interest	6.00	6.00	6.50	7.00	6.00
10. Shamrocker	51.00	41.00	41.00	51.00	51.00
11. Pinker Pinker	31.00	34.00	31.00	21.00	31.00
12. Secret Admirer	11.00	11.00	12.00	13.00	11.00
13. King’s Rose	12.00	11.00	12.00	13.00	12.00
14. Helmet	3.30	3.50	3.30	3.60	3.30
15. Avienus	61.00	51.00	61.00	81.00	61.00
16. Yosei	scr	scr	scr	scr	scr

odds updated as of 10am 20/10/2011