Could the War Front gelding Homesman (USA) be the horse to earn an elusive win in the Cox Plate for Lloyd Williams? Judging on his dominant display in Saturday's Group II Feehan Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley, the answer is an emphatic yes.
Winner of the Group 1 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield last September, the handsome 6yo gelding was making his first start since being edged out by Best Solution (IRE) in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup.
Given a positive ride by Ben Melham, Homesman (USA) tracked Trap For Fools to the 600 metres before taking up the running and there was no catching him in the straight.
Runner-up to Magic Consol in last year's Feehan, Homesman (USA) defeated the 5yo Magnus gelding Mahamedeis by two and a half lengths with the imported Azamour gelding Best Of Days (GB) a nose back in third. (images Grant Courtney)
Part-owner Nick Williams said the son of War Front is on a mission to claim one of the rare jewels of Victorian racing to evade the Williams family.
"He was
terrific today and there would be nothing in racing that would mean more to us
than getting our hands on a Cox Plate, we've tried many times and come up short
and he is certainly heading the right way," Williams said.
"Benny gave him a ten out of ten ride it was absolutely terrific.
"He won the Underwood last year en-route to the Caulfield Cup. Since we've had him in this time the Cox Plate has been his aim and with a bit of luck we will defend the Underwood the maybe the Caulfield Stakes before returning to the mighty Valley for the Cox Plate.
"We've got to win one before they change this iconic racecourse. I love it here, I believe it is one of the greatest places to watch racing, you're right on top of the action, it's magnificent.
"He's a very versatile horse, you can ride quietly or forward, you can do anything with him. All's good so I hope he pulls up well and hope he can go on for a great campaign."
Homesman (USA) is a three-quarter brother to stakes-winner US Army Ranger who placed in the Group 1 July Cup, Group 1 Prix de la Foret and the Grade 1 Inglewood Hcp at Hollywood Park.
He is one of nine winners from 11 named foals of the Red Ransom (USA) mare My Annette who is a three-quarter sister to the top-class stallion Dynaformer and a half-sister to stakes-winner White Bridle.
The subject of Thursday's Best On Breeding, a more in depth analysis of Homesman's pedigree can be found here.
