COX PLATE WINNER READY FOR QEII TEST

Boss who rode Sir Dragonet to Cox Plate victory in the spring was full of confidence about the chances of the import after hammering the Tancred field over 2400m just two weeks ago and continues to maintain the Queen Elizabeth is not just a two horse race. 

“It’s not like this (double) can’t be done, it’s about having the right horse,’’ Boss said.

“Sir Dragonet is that sort of horse. He is not a slow, cumbersome staying type, either.

“He begins quickly and puts himself in a spot, I could have nearly led-up the Tancred the other day because he has that tactical speed in his legs.

“I rode him work the other day and the horse is going super. Verry Elleegant, Addeybb, they are all flying, all meeting at a great distance on a great track - it’s going to be some race.’’

The Queen Elizabeth Stakes is set to be one of the races of the season however it is not likely to be one of the biggest races with several stables already looking elsewhere to complete for Sydney riches.

James Cummings and Godolphin team have already declared they won’t have a runner in the race after deciding not to back up Doncaster Mile winner Cascadian or 5th place finishing Auviliius. Other stable star Collette is set to run in the $1m Queen Of The Turf drawing a line through her attendance in the $4m feature.

After Doncaster Mile favourite, Mugatoo finished in 4th place on Saturday trainer Kris Lees is now looking at the idea of backing up in the hunt for more gold. 

“We are more likely to back up now,’’ Lees said. “Mugatoo has come through the race really well and is nice and bright this morning.

“I thought he (Hugh Bowman) rode him perfectly, he used the gate (barrier four) but was probably going just a touch quicker than he needed to be.

“It might have taken a little bit of his turn of foot away from him, but he still ran super and presented like the winner.’’

Elsewhere, Kiwi Champion mare Melody Belle is a noticeable admission from the QEII field after trainer Jamie Richards declared she wouldn’t race again until the Hollindale in the Gold Coast in May. 

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