Fawkner was unable to match the late pace when sixth in the Caulfield Stakes a fortnight ago, however co-owner Nick Williams remains confident the gelding exhibits the right Cox Plate form for success in this afternoon’s Moonee Valley feature race.
Fawkner is capable of success in the Cox Plate this afternoon. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
A strong and consistent performer for Macedon Lodge in posting eleven wins and a further nine minors through 29 career starts, Fawkner stamped himself as a leading Cox Plate contender upon resuming this time for success in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) on September 12th.
Jumping from the gates well in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) second-up, the Reset gelding settled in prime position in the run and found a good rhythm throughout; mustering a typically impressive late kick to finish an agonizingly-close second to Mourinho.
Having faded off the pace of Criterion, Happy Trails and Mongolian Khan in the dying stages of the Caulfield Stakes following a luckless run in transit last time, Fawkner has continued to drift out to long Cox Plate odds.
Fawkner has been charged with overcoming the outside barrier 14 in the Cox Plate this afternoon; an alley yet to herald a winner in the major Spring Carnival feature race, but Williams is thrilled with the eight-year-old’s form and is confident he will perform to a high standard.
“He could not be any better,” Williams said this afternoon.
“We just hope he and Damien (Oliver) have luck in running.”
Winner of the 2013 edition of the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), Fawkner returned during the 2014 Spring Carnival for a close second behind Dissident in the Makybe Diva Stakes; progressing to success in the Caulfield Stakes before placing second behind Adelaide in the Cox Plate.
Fawkner has form around a number of leading fancies for the 2015 Cox Plate and remains at 2015 Cox Plate odds of $21 for success with Ladbrokes Australia.
