Trainer Trent Busuttin has opted to enter his promising three-year-old colt Blind Raise in this Saturday’s Group 1 Cox Plate at Flemington, despite the more conventional path being the A$2 million Spring Champion Stakes in Sydney on October 24. Blind Raise, who finished runner-up in the Caulfield Guineas over 1,600 meters last Sunday, will now contest the Cox Plate over 2,040 meters—a race traditionally held at Moonee Valley but relocated to Flemington this year due to redevelopment.
Busuttin, who co-trains Blind Raise with Natalie Young, acknowledged that sending the colt to the Spring Champion Stakes would have been the safer choice, but noted the rarity of a genuine opportunity to compete in Australia’s premier weight-for-age race. “You very rarely get a genuine live chance in a Cox Plate,” Busuttin said. Despite being listed at 10-1 odds, he believes Blind Raise has a legitimate chance.
Blind Raise, a son of Ace High with four wins to his name but yet to secure a Group 1 victory, has displayed resilience following his recent hard-fought effort in the Caulfield Guineas, which marked only his sixth race and first beyond 1,400 meters. Busuttin reported the colt recovered well, showing consistent enthusiasm during training gallops since the Guineas.
The Cox Plate this year features a strong lineup including established Group 1 winners Sir Delius, Alaelinan and Birdman, alongside Blind Raise and Warwoven, the latter trained by Bjorn Bakker. Both three-year-olds will carry 49.5 kilograms and aim to become the first of their age group to win the weight-for-age championship since Shamus Award in 2013. Jamie Melham is set to ride Blind Raise.
The field’s final composition will be confirmed on October 20, when barriers are drawn at a Melbourne event. Among potential entries is Cosmic Crusader, the runner-up in the recent Group 1 Caulfield Cup, though a decision on whether he will contest the Cox Plate is pending. Another contender, Coelwulf, is likely to run after finishing second in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes on October 17. Trainer Joseph Pride expressed his motivation to capitalize on the opportunity, describing the Cox Plate as a lifelong target and emphasizing its status as Australia’s weight-for-age championship.
Meanwhile, attention will also turn to the Spring Champion Stakes, where fillies Global Goal and Proxima Dea are among the early favorites. The race has attracted several notable entries, including colts trained by Chris Waller such as Stormy Marco, Diameter, Central Europe and Wonka.
The Cox Plate, carrying a prize pool of A$6 million, remains one of Australia’s most prestigious races, and this year’s edition—offset by the venue change to Flemington—promises a highly competitive field vying for top honors.