UK trainer Charlie Fellowes has flagged the Cox Plate as a long-term goal for promising three-year-old Luther, who tackles the Grade 1 Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes at Saratoga on Saturday morning (AEST).

By Frankel, Luther was a Listed winner at two and has continued to show promise this season, placing second at Chelmsford before a strong fourth in the Group 1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains.

Although he underwhelmed in the Prix du Jockey Club, Fellowes believes the colt had excuses and remains bullish about his future.

“He’s really good and has taken the journey over there like a champ,” Fellowes said.

The Saratoga Derby in August is next on the agenda, a win-and-you’re-in event for the Cox Plate.

Fellowes, who famously campaigned Prince Of Arran in Australia, said owner Mr Hickman is eager to bring Luther Down Under.

“There’s no bigger race than a Grade 1,” he added.

Ask ChatGPT