Cox Plate or Golden Eagle - Nice Dilemma!

Media Release - Wednesday September 28

Waikato Stud principal Mark Chittick has a fair bit to contemplate as spring racing heats up across the Tasman.

His exciting four-year-old I Wish I Win has made waves in Victoria since joining trainer Peter Moody’s Pakenham barn.

Mark Chittick is eyeing a Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) berth with exciting four-year-old I Wish I Win - image Grant Courtney

The son of Savabeel showed promise in New Zealand for his previous trainer Jamie Richards, for whom he won two and placed in six of his nine starts, including runner-up results in the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m), Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m), Gr.3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), Listed Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m), and Listed Mufhasa Stakes (1400m).

I Wish I Win has been an impressive winner of his two Australian outings under Moody’s care, including a one length victory over fellow Kiwi-bred Ayrton in the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes (1300m) at Sandown on Sunday.

Breeder-owner Chittick has been taken back by his reception from Australian punters, with bookmakers installing the rising star as a clear $2.40 favourite for the Gr.1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield on Saturday-week.

“We knew he had ability,” Chittick told SEN.

“Going into his four-year-old year, Moods and I had a bit of a yarn and made an agreement that we would give it (racing in Australia) a go.

“We regard racing in Australia as the best in the world and you have got so many opportunities over there. We thought we would take him over there and roll the dice.

“I didn’t think that his third run in Australia he would be going into a time-honoured race like the Toorak.”

While he is excited about the gelding’s immediate assignment, it is his next target that is giving the Waikato horseman a welcome headache.

Advertisement

The A$10 million prizemoney of the Golden Eagle (1500m) is acting as a big lure to head to Sydney, however, Chittick’s heart is telling him to remain in Melbourne to tackle the A$5 million Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m).

Chittick stands former Cox Plate winners Ocean Park and I Wish I Win’s sire Savabeel, and he would love to get his hands on the silverware in his own right.

“It is a hard one and a good problem to have. We stand two Cox Plate winners at Waikato Stud, and one of those being his father,” Chittick said.

“It has always been a dream for me to breed a Cox Plate winner let alone win it ourselves.

“When betting shops start talking about Cox Plates, it starts to get pretty exciting.

“There is something about that race. It is legendary. We are in it for the long game.

“It has all got to pay its way and if you had a chance in a race like the Golden Eagle it would certainly help to pay a few bills.

“But if I had to toss up either way I would probably lean towards the Cox Plate.” – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Corumbene Stud Mourn Loss of Treasured Mare
Corumbene Stud took to Instagram earlier today to announce the passing of their much loved broodmare Bahia, the dam of Golden Slipper winner Overreach.
Mitchell McKenzie Colts Showcase
All eyes will be on the $175,000 Listed MVRC Mitchell McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday with an intriguing field of nine colts and geldings all vying for that all important first stakes win.
One to Watch – Wyong
The John O’Shea and Tom Charlton stable have been running hot into spring and unleashed a talented Wootton Bassett (GB) colt at Wyong on Friday that bolted in to win by nearly five lengths.
Justify Mare Wins $250,000 Wyong Mona Lisa Stakes
A big field of 14 mares went around in the $250,000 Listed Mona Lisa Stakes (1350m) at Wyong on Friday and the race produced a thrilling finish with less than two lengths separating  the first eight over the line with Just Feelin’ Lucky taking the prize.
Sires With Winners - Friday September 5
Here is the full list of 41 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Grail Seeker Chasing Another G1
Top quality performer Grail Seeker will be heading in a new direction on Saturday when she attempts to add to her record at the highest level.
Expensive Super Seth 3YO Bolts in by Five!
Smart three-year-old Street Artist notched his first victory in impressive style when leading throughout to defeat a strong maiden field over 1000m at Mornington on Friday by nearly five lengths.
Ole Kirk share headlines strong September (Early) Online Sale
A share in - and mares in foal to - reigning Champion First Season Sire Ole Kirk are joined by a bevy of quality racing and breeding stock in the Inglis Digital September (Early) Online Sale, which is now open for bidding.
$1.65million Invincible Colt Hostility Resuming on Saturday
Te Akau Racing will hold a strong hand on Proisir Plate Day at Ellerslie on Saturday, particularly in the age group features.
Sires With Winners - Thursday September 4
Here is the full list of 27 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.