Consistent gelding Mourinho has arguably returned to racing in career-best form this season, but has interestingly continued to drift in 2015 Cox Plate betting markets for success in the feature race at Moonee Valley this afternoon.
Mourinho continues to drift in 2015 Cox Plate betting markets. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia
Undoubtedly the stable star for Moe-based trainer Peter Gelagotis, Mourinho returned to racing this time for success in the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) on August 15th; progressing to sixth in the Group 2 Dato’ Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m) at the Valley before breaking through for a maiden win at the highest level in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) last time out on September 26th.
Stable representative Manny Gelagotis is confident Mourinho is primed for a big performance this afternoon and is capable of defying the current trends in Cox Plate betting.
“He was heading in that direction (Cox Plate last year) and as I’ve publicly said before, he probably wasn’t worthy to be in the field last year but neither were two others,” Gelagotis told AAP.
“That was the situation that unfolded so that’s passed now and certainly now he’s earned his stripes and thankfully he’s vindicated our opinion of the horse. He’s certainly an A-grader now.
“The timing is everything with him and he’s run the quickest Underwood Stakes in the past 15 years and some champions have won that race.
“He’s got some serious scalps.
“This is a race where you can’t hide. He’s got a big motor, he’s a big boy and when he’s on song he’s a big, robust, strong horse that fights to the end.”
Posting eleven wins and a further nine minors through 38 career starts so far, Mourinho posted a number of commendable results through the 2014 edition of the Spring Carnival; highlighted by success in the Listed Cranbourne Cup (2025m) and minors in the Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes and Group 3 JRA Cup (2040m).
Delivering a talented field defeat in the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) upon resuming this year, the Oratorio gelding continued to impress in placing third in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) and winning the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m), but failed to fire when 13th in the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m).
A horse has never won the Cox Plate from barrier 12, and Mourinho will have to overcome that hoodoo if to post success this afternoon.
Having opened at a quote of $31 for success, Mourinho has drifted in 2015 Cox Plate betting markets to current $41 with Ladbrokes Australia.
