Highland Reel third as Winx wins Cox Plate
Ballydoyle raider misses out on Group One glory at Moonee Valley
Saturday 24 October 2015 11:15, UK
Highland Reel finished an honourable third behind Winx in the William Hill Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.
Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore won the Group One over a mile and a quarter with Adelaide 12 months ago, but Ballydoyle's representative this time could not live with the deeply-impressive winner.
Highland Reel was always prominent as The Cleaner took the field along, with the Peter Chapple-Hyam-trained Arod in second for a long way.
Arod was too keen for his own good, though, and was never a factor once Winx swooped into an unassailable lead at the top of the home straight.
Criterion finished a staying-on second, not too far in front of Highland Reel, but Chris Waller's successful filly was well in the clear under Hugh Bowman.
The jockey said: "To be here, riding on this stage, is one thing, but to win the race, I can't tell you how much it means.
"I drew barrier one and I had a lot of confidence in the filly.
"She adapted to the awkward position, but sometimes you have to take the cards you are dealt.
"It's a very humbling feeling. I'm very privileged and very proud. It's been a wonderful ride and it's not over yet."Connections of Arod felt the four-year-old colt was found out by the longer trip.
David Redvers, racing and bloodstock manager for owners Qatar Racing, tweeted: "Whilst disappointed with Arod it just confirmed that he is a miler and needed the run, as he's been taking life a bit too easy! All is well."
Unusually, the race caused few ripples in the ante-post market for the Melbourne Cup, with fifth-placed Hartnell the only real eyecatcher. Formerly trained by Mark Johnston and now in the care of John O'Shea Down Under, he's a 16/1 chance from 25/1 with Sky Bet.
