The obvious highlight for this weekend is clearly the W.S. Cox Plate at The Valley for I’m Thunderstruck, but Coppleson will seek to steal some of the spotlight, contesting a Group 1 race of his own this weekend.
He will start in the G1 Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick for trainer Chris Waller and jockey Brenton Advulla, who has ridden the gelding in all four career starts, including his two wins.
The 3yo son of Rip Van Winkle was competitive, albeit a touch unlucky in his last start in the Group 3 Gloaming Stakes at Warwick Farm. Jumping to Group 1 level is no doubt a large challenge, but Waller thinks the horse is in good order and ready to run a solid race.
“It’s a very open race, obviously it’s a long shot, but we give it our best chance. Brenton knows this horse so well and he is ready for a tough 2000m distance. The track at this stage is heavy and likely to stay there. I don’t see that as a disadvantage really, it will just make it a tough staying test which I am sure will suit.” says trainer Chris Waller.
See the full field and all race details for the G1 Spring Champion Stakes here.
Shortly after Coppleson’s run on Saturday, our focus will return to I’m Thunderstruck in the W.S. Cox Plate at The Valley. Contesting the 5th Group 1 of his preparation, we look forward to seeing him yet again being competitive against the cream of Australian WFA middle-distance racing.
Following the barrier draw, where I’m Thunderstruck landed gate 10, trainer Mick Price said “It’s not ideal, but with Alligator Blood on our outside he should roll forward and go across to get into position. I think the race will work out alright, we might just have to use a bit of horse early.”
“His work on Tuesday at Cranbourne was super and he is ready to go.”
See the full field and all race details for the W.S. Cox Plate here.
We look forward to Saturday’s racing and wish all involved in Coppleson and I’m Thunderstruck the best of luck.