Helmet is almost a certain Cox Plate starter

They won’t admit it but the Cox Plate is a near certainty for Helmet after his hugely impressive Caulfield Guineas win last weekend.

Helmet launched from the gates with blinding speed and even after battling Manawanui for the lead in the early stages he still had enough left in the tank to fire off another explosive last sectional.

That gives Darley a strong indication he’ll handle the 2040m and his tough forward running style is the perfect attribute for Moonee Valley Racecourse.

Stable rep Paul Snowden says the horse is in top condition following the Guineas but insists we won’t know for sure that he’ll be going to the Cox Plate until a little bit later.

“He’s been really good, pleased with the horse…we’ll know by tomorrow or Thursday where we’re going,” he said.

When quizzed on a potential Cox Plate start he admits there’s not a lot working against it.

“I think he’s earned his position there, his win the other day was incredible to see him run those sectionals,” he said.

“His health is the most important aspect of it all, I can’t fault him.”

While we know he can easily run out a mile it’s the 2040m that will be the untested element but it’s of little concern to Snowden.

“I don’t think it’s an issue, we’ve got the weight relief there and that can be the difference between winning and losing,” he said.

In terms of their other superstar colt Sepoy, he’ll be in action this weekend at Caulfield forming what must be a dream combo for Darley.

Sepoy is likely to start in the Caulfield Sprint where he’ll be a huge favourite after his Manikato Stakes domination.

“He’s really good, he’s at the right spot where we want him now,” Snowden said.

“We had him slightly underdone the first two runs…he’s right where we want him at the moment.”