Green Moon declared himself a genuine Cox Plate contender when scoring his first Group 1 win in the Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington today.

The five-year-old sat three wide without cover and just off the pace for the entire trip but that didn’t matter.

Green Moon

Green Moon leads home a quinella for the Williams stable in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia

The Irish-bred import was dominant in the straight as he claimed victory from stablemate Seville and 2011 winner December Draw.

Green Moon’s performance today was to decide his next start and the convincing victory confirmed his spot in the Cox Plate.

“It’s very exciting and I couldn’t be happier,”owner Nick Williams said.

“I don’t think there’s any decision to be made [about the Cox Plate]…you saw how tough he was today, three wide, no cover the trip.”

Williams also praised Seville who will get a chance to claim a Group 1 victory of his own in the Caulfield Cup.

“He’s shown us form since a couple of runs in the autumn. We know what he is,” Williams said.

“He’s done everything we could’ve asked of him and he deserves to take his place in the Caulfield Cup.”

Craig Williams has ridden Green Moon throughout his spring campaign so far but now has the welcome headache of choosing whether to ride the import or star colt Pierro in the Cox Plate.

Williams remained tight-lipped on who he would choose but was full of praise for the performance of the son of Montjeu today.

“This horse has just got better and better,” Williams said.

“That was fantastic. I’ve enjoyed doing the work with Green Moon. It’s a great position to be in. That was really special that win.”

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