James Cummings says Godolphin galloper Anamoe will strip a happy horse when he returns to Caulfield for the first time in 12 months.
Anamoe won the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) at the corresponding meeting last year and lines up on Saturday in the Group 1 Might And Power Stakes (2000m).
The Might And Power will be the precursor to the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley on October 22, a race Anamoe ran second in behind State Of Rest, after an unsuccessful protest, last year.
Anamoe enters Saturday’s race unbeaten in his four-year-old season having won the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) first-up before taking out the Group 1 George Main Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on September 17.
There were fears for Anamoe’s career immediately after that race when Racing NSW vets reported the four-year-old was lame post-race.
Put through extensive tests post that announcement, Anamoe was given the all-clear to continue his Cox Plate preparation for which he is the $2.80 favourite with TAB.
Cummings said Anamoe had enjoyed a trouble-free preparation since the Geoge Main scare and was ready to contest the 2000m journey at Caulfield.
“He’s had a really uncomplicated three weeks since his last start and he’s feeling well,” Cummings said.
“That run in the George Main topped him off beautifully to be stepping up to 2000 metres.
“All week, he’s been such a happy horse and he’s coming together beautifully.
“He’s going to arrive at Caulfield third-up from a spell in the Might And Power (and we are) confident he’s going to run a good race.”
Favouritism for the Cox Plate could be on the line in Saturday’s race which has drawn the main contenders for the Moonee Valley contest that is described by many as the best two minutes in sport.
Anamoe, Zaaki ($6), Alligator Blood ($8) and I’m Thunderstruck ($9) hold the top four berths in Cox Plate betting and hold the top four spots in betting on the Might And Power with Anamoe heading the pack at $2.40 ahead of Zaaki ($4.80) with Alligator Blood and I’m Thunderstruck both rated $6 chances.
Mo’Unga, who split Alligator Blood and Zaaki in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Sandown on September 25, is on the next line of betting at $12 while he is regarded an $18 hope in Cox Plate betting.