Shot at third Cox Plate all but over for champion So You Think

After quarantine issues were sorted out a fortnight ago it appeared as if the chances of So You Think returning for the 2011 Cox Plate had drastically improved.

Now though the two time Cox Plate champion is all but assured of staying in Europe as he has become Coolmore’s dominant hope for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Prior to this week Coolmore also had Pour Moi in the running for the race but his career is now over after sustaining serious injury.

This leaves So You Think as the stables only genuine top line threat for the race and therefore  a trip to Australia is now all but ruled out.

Pour Moi was actually the early favourite for the race after he won the English derby in June at Epsom Downs.

The Arc is raced in October making a Melbourne spring raid of any kind not possible in 2011.

So You Think’s next start is in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown where he’ll be shooting for his fourth win in five European starts.

Neither Coolmore’s manager John Magnier or trainer Aidan O’Brien have confirmed So You Think’s long term plans, previously saying they’d wait until after his next run, but Pour Moi’s injury seemingly makes that decision for them.