Blind Raise to contest Cox Plate instead of Spring Champion Stakes
Jamie Melham will ride the Caulfield Guineas runner-up in the A$6 million race at Flemington, where he will carry 49.5kg.
Trainer Trent Busuttin has chosen the A$6 million Cox Plate at Flemington for Blind Raise, passing up the A$2 million Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick. The colt is still seeking his first Group 1 victory.
Busuttin, who shares training duties with Natalie Young, said the Sydney race would have been the more sensible option, but he regarded the Cox Plate opportunity as too rare to pass up.
The 2,040m contest will bring Blind Raise back up against his Caulfield Guineas conqueror, the Bjorn Baker-trained Warwoven. Both three-year-olds will carry 49.5kg, with Jamie Melham booked for Blind Raise.
Sir Delius, Aeliana and Birdman are also confirmed to run. Ceolwulf is likely to back up following his second placing in the King Charles III Stakes.
Blind Raise had raced only six times when he contested the Guineas, his first outing beyond 1,400m. Busuttin said the horse had recovered well and pleased him in a subsequent gallop.
Flemington is hosting the Cox Plate while Moonee Valley undergoes reconstruction. The field will be finalised when barriers are drawn at a Melbourne function.
