Torio's Quest is targeting the Cox Plate

Trainer Brett Partelle is convinced that Torio’s Quest is capable of being competitive in the $3 million Cox Plate at Moonee Valley next month.

Torio’s Quest is nominated to run in the Shannon Stakes at Rosehill this weekend before travelling to Melbourne to compete in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap.

“We’ve pretty well nutted out a plan since the Brisbane winter carnival,” Partelle said.

“After Saturday’s race, he’ll be on the float to Melbourne the following Wednesday or Thursday because it is important to get him settled in ahead of the Toorak.”

Circumstances permitting, Torio’s Quest will then go on to compete in the lucrative Cox Plate.

Torio’s Quest finished second by a head to Master Of Design in the Group 2 Sebring Sprint at Rosehill on September 10.

“I thought he was exceptional first-up because he was only 85 to 90 per cent there,” Partelle said.

“There’s been no indication he hasn’t improved since.”

Torio’s Quest finished two and a half lengths ahead of talented four-year-old Ilovethiscity in the Sebring Stakes.

Ilovethiscity then went on to finish a close second in the Group 1 George Main Stakes last Saturday.

“I took a lot of heart from the George Main result,” he said.

“Hopefully we can go to Melbourne on a winning note.”

Partelle will make the final decision concerning Torio’s Quest’s participation in this year’s Cox Plate following his Toorak Handicap run.

“Realistically if he can’t win a Toorak – or at least run a very unlucky second – he can’t win a Cox Plate,” Partelle said.

“He needs to run a race in the Toorak and that will top him off for his next run after that.”