Playing God will target the Cox Plate during his spring campaign

West Australian galloper Playing God has been officially aimed at the $3 million Cox Plate at Moonee Valley Racecourse this October.

The talented three-year-old will be partnered with in-form jockey Steven Parnham in his upcoming spring campaign.

The Blackfriars gelding, which is trained by Steven’s father Neville, finished second in the Group 1 W.A.T.C. Derby last start behind Dreamaway.

Neville Parnham said that Playing God had progressed well during his spell and had pleased the trainer during his first three weeks of work.

“He’s working very well and the Cox Plate will be his goal,” Parnham said.

“Steven will ride him … an injury kept him out of contention for the guineas and cup mounts in autumn.”

Parnham will let the weather decide where Playing God has his first-up run.

“Weather and condition of tracks will decide where Playing God races first-up,” he said.

“If Melbourne tracks are heavy, he’ll return to racing at Belmont.”

Playing God’s stablemate and older brother, God Has Spoken, finished last at his most recent start due to an undesirable track.

The $41,000 yearling has earned more than $711,000 in prize money and will now be spelled before a Perth summer campaign in November and December.

“He appreciated a firm surface in the Strickland,” Parnham said.

“God Has Spoken was not suited by rain-affected conditions when last in the Hyperion Stakes at his previous start.”

God Has Spoken will be aimed at the Group 1 Railway Stakes and the Group 1 Kingston Town Classic.

Parnham is armed with an array of talented summer prospects, with his classy galloper Bridgestone also due to return to racing next month.