Trainer Ciaron Maher admits Light Infantry Man must lift to be a winning hope in the Cox Plate, but says the gelding’s previous Victorian form gives him confidence.
The five-year-old claimed the Group 1 Australian Cup at Flemington in March and will now tackle the 2040m weight-for-age feature at Moonee Valley, the last before the track’s redevelopment.
Light Infantry Man’s Sydney campaign hasn’t gone to plan, finishing ninth in the Hill Stakes, but Maher believes the gelding’s athletic nature will serve him well under pressure.
“He’s active, he’s expressive, he’s not a dopey style horse,” Maher said. “He thrives on high pressure races.”
With a predicted lack of pace, Maher hinted the horse could settle forward.
Regular jockey Ethan Brown regains the ride, marking his first Cox Plate appearance.
“Brownie has gone to another level this year,” Maher said. “He rides Light Infantry Man very well and we probably missed him last start.”