Anamoe put the writing on the wall for a big run in the Group 1 $5 million Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m) with his brave victory over I’m Thunderstruck and Zaaki in the Group 1 $1 million Neds Might And Power (2000m) at Caulfield.
James Cummings’ Cox Plate favourite Anamoe was good holding off his rivals in the 2022 Might And Power results at Caulfield. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
Twelve months ago the Godolphin-raced son of Street Boss won the Caulfield Guineas over a mile before narrowly being denied the Cox Plate trophy after an unsuccessful protest against Irish raider State Of Rest in the Australasian weight-for-age championship.
The now four-year-old has firmed into clear $2.70 favouritism in all-in Cox Plate betting at race sponsor Ladbrokes to go one better this spring after securing his sixth career Group 1 victory in the Might And Power.
There may have been only eight runners, but it remained a vintage edition of the 2000m WFA showdown formerly known as the Caulfield Stakes.
Jockey James McDonald slotted one off the fence in fourth aboard the well-backed favourite Anamoe who came off back-to-back Group 1 wins in the Winx Stakes and George Main Stakes in Sydney this prep.
Franking the Sydney form travelling south, Anamoe came with a charging late run down the middle once on the home straight to fight off on-pace runners I’m Thunderstruck and Zaaki in an exciting performance.
“That was a proper horse race wasn’t it,” winning trainer Cummings told Racing.com said.
“Anamoe had to be the best horse. He had to be the champion.
“He’s a serious racehorse and I’m just so wrapped to see him trotting back to scale beautiful and free in his style.
“Great credit to the team to have him here in impeccable condition today.”
Cummings was impressed with the effort against a gun field by Anamoe who he believes will be peaking on Cox Plate Day.
“He was able to gather himself together and run a really impressive last furlong in a weight-for-age, 10-furlong race and to demonstrate his class,” he said.
“He just keeps justifying the decision…to keep him in training.
“Anamoe’s not at his best yet.
“He’s a run away I hope at being at his best and we’re well and truly in business for his grand final.”
Winx (2016) was the last horse to win the Caulfield Stakes – Cox Plate double in the same season.
