Adelaide trainer Paul Beshara will push on to the Cox Plate with Happy Trails after the five year old took out the Group 2 $300,000 Dato’ Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley today in the tightest of photo finishes.

Happy Trails will push onto the Cox Plate after taking out the Group 2 Dato' Tan Chin Nam Stakes. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia

Big race jockey Glen Boss was able to get every inch out of Happy Trails to hold out Green Moon by the narrowest of margins with Rekindled Interest running on for third.

Today’s win has convinced Beshara that a start in the Group 1 $3m Sportingbet Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley on October 27 is now a reality after Happy Trails collected his best win to date.

Boss had Happy Trails quick out of the barriers and took up a handy position before shooting to the lead on the home turn and dug deep in the run to the line.

“This is a dream come true,” Beshara said.

“He has always showed us. He puts in a 150 per cent every time he goes out. He will definitely go to the Cox Plate now. That’s your ticket in.”

Even though Boss was buoyed by the win, he is not convinced that Happy Trails is up to the standard of a Cox Plate.

“I’m not sure if he can win a Cox Plate this horse,” Boss said.

“But he’s doing a lot better this preparation than he’s done before. He’s got great form around some very good horses, but not at weight for age.”

Even though Happy Trials won at weight for age today, Boss is of the opinion that the five year old would be better suited in a major Handicap over 1600m.