The Might & Power Cox Plate entrée

The Might And Power at Caulfield, a weight for age over the 2000m looks like a Cox Plate appetiser for the punters. The big boys are back again in what looks to be a race for the ages.

Zaaki worked very well at Caulfield on Tuesday morning with Mo’unga and was good enough last start when third behind Alligator Blood. The track will be back in the soft range which will suit and stepping up in trip is a big tick. He’s had the one run at Caulfield for a placing in this race last year of which I’m not entirely sure he handled. If he gets around the track he’ll be his usual competitive self but should be in the top 3.

I’m Thunderstruck was good when chasing down the pack in The Underwoood Stakes over 1800. He’s rock hard fit to step up to the 2000m for the second time in his career and with a genuine tempo up front this time he should have a better crack at them late. Place hope.

Alligator Blood was Super when winning at Sandown last start when he ran most of this field into the ground. He loves Caulfield however the step up to 2000m might just be a bit of an ask with more pressure up front this time. If he can get things run his way he’ll be in the finish but think others might be sharper over this trip. Top 4 hope.

Mr Brightside’s run in The Underwood was a pass mark for me against elite company. But finds a much tougher task here and steps up to the 2000m which I’m not entirely sure is his best suited trip. Happy to watch him year and get an indication of where he’s at for 2 weeks’ time.

Mo’unga was close to causing an upset at Sandown last start. Loves the distance and has run well enough at Caulfield in the past. Steps up to his prime distance of 2000m here which will be another positive. He’s a chance to sneak into the placings and is one for the exotics.

Nonconformist just held ground at Sandown and does reach a better distance here but has been hard to get a gauge on this preparation. Ran well in this race last year but I think he was going better then. Prefer to watch.

Anamoe ventures back down to Victoria and The Heath a place of which he’s tasted Group 1 success. Was super winning while lame last start and stepping up to 2000m should be no problems. With James McDonald partnering the emerging champion its hard to see him getting beat here and is for sure the on top hope.

Benaud is an interesting runner here. Was a tad disappointing as a beaten favourite last start but was still honest. He’s a genuine stayer but might find this race a little too tough. Will be watching for futures markets for other races this spring.

Sticking with the obvious here, top hope is the champion Anamoe with Zaaki and I’m Thunderstruck in for the placings.  Don’t mind a boxed first 4 here with the 1,2,3,5 and 7.