On Track - Spring 2019

7 The Ladbrokes Cox Plate is worth $5 million but Mystic Journey’s connections can benefit by a further $1 million if they win the race as a result of the newly introduced Ladbrokes Cox Plate Boost, which is a carrot dangled in a number of key lead-up races that includes the All-Star Mile and Australian Guineas, which she has already won. Not that money has played a big part in trainer Adam Trinder’s decision making. He has always been guided by what’s best for the horse, but he and connections have always been mindful of her legacy and the importance of the prestige that is gained by winning such long standing “heritage” races, which have been sanctioned as top- class through the roll call of previous winners. “It doesn’t change our mindset when it comes to race programming,” Trinder said in an interview earlier this year when asked whether he would be attracted to run in so-called ‘’pop-up’’ races worth millions. After her win in the P.B. Lawrence a grinning Trinder simply smiled and said ‘’the Cox Plate remains our main target this spring”. ‘It’s definitely a relief (to see that she has trained on from three to four). She’s done all the right things at home, but it’s really pleasing to get them back to the races to see them do what you trust they are going to do,” he said. “She showed will and determination and that’s going to hold her in really good stead moving into this preparation.” Mystic Journey will not have matters all her own way though, especially with two strong overseas challengers in the shape of Japanese mare Lys Gracieux and Danceteria, owned by Australian Bloodstock, trained in England by the Frenchman David Menuisier and ridden by Irishman Jamie Spencer. Road to the Ladbrokes Cox Plate – Te Akau Shark and Melody Belle