Trainer Matt Laurie admits he would prefer a bigger field for Treasurethe Moment’s final Cox Plate tune-up, but says his star mare is in great shape ahead of Saturday’s Group 1 Might And Power (2000m) at Caulfield.
Only five runners accepted for the $1 million race, though with Light Infantry Man expected to contest the Hill Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill, that number could drop to four. The small field sets up a tactical battle between Treasurethe Moment and Buckaroo, with Globe and Hezashoka rounding out the runners.
“I would prefer to have a few more runners in the race, but it is what it is,” Laurie told SEN. “I guess it’s going to be a similar sort of set-up to her last race. I’m guessing Globe takes up the running and we’re trailing it with the others behind us. It’s different, that’s for sure, but hopefully it works out and we can see her back at her best.”
Treasurethe Moment’s nine-race winning streak came to an end when she was beaten by Pride Of Jenni in the Group 2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley last month, though Laurie said the mare has come through that run better than ever.
“I think there has been a lot of improvement,” he said. “She’s come on a lot and the equimetre that we have had on her in her last couple of gallops has confirmed that. Up to 2000 metres will be perfect for her and I guess they will put Buckaroo into the race early to make it a bit of a test.”
While Laurie acknowledged the race shape isn’t ideal for Cox Plate preparation, he remains upbeat about the $1 million prize on offer. “It’s not the makeup we really wanted heading to the Cox Plate, but it’s still a $1 million race with four horses in it, so it will be an interesting watch,” he said. “Her work on Tuesday was very good, she seems to have pulled up good, and she seems in a good place.”
Damian Lane, unbeaten on Treasurethe Moment from seven previous rides, reunites with the mare on Saturday after missing the Feehan due to suspension.
For the latest odds and offers on the Might And Power and Cox Plate, visit Australia’s best betting sites.
