CB Cox Stakes Preview

Matt Rigby | Metropolitan Racing | Fri 16 December, 2011

The CB Cox is one of the lead ups to the Perth Cup and many of these runners will be headed that way if they perform well enough.

Ranger is the short priced favourite and definitely deserves his place at the top of the market after being knocked out of the Railway, then getting too far back in the Kingston Town and probably being a good thing beaten. At even money, he's too short for me as he does have a few little tricks.

Lords Ransom, also from the Peter's team, has showed gradual improvement and his last run was his best this campaign. Of course, he has already won a Perth Cup when he was with Adam Durrant. The wide barrier is a concern, but he should be right in this type of race. The other Peters runner, Battle Emblem, was a good run at 150/1 in the Kingston Town. Yuill was just a little too patient for my liking at the top of the straight and could have worked up behind the leaders. That done, she may have snagged a place. He has undeniable claims here, but must be ridden well as Yuill will have to take him back near on last.

Mega Steel and Ringmeister will make the pace here and the former probably knows no other way that to run them along. That should give us a genuine pace.

Kincaple is being touted as being right on track for this race. He's still third up, into a 2100m race, but was given a massive hitout in the Kingston Town when Turner took off early. He just batted to the line and ridden more patiently, can go much better here. I thought his run in the Railway was only fair.

Saint Encosta was the best run in the JRA with Double Barrel not far behind. The former is $31 and although up in weight by 6kg must have a huge chance on that run. Likewise Double Barrel at $81.

Finally, Tranquility is just starting to hit the right type of form for this race. She ran on well in the Kingston Town without being a threat, but looked as though she was crying for the longer trip. God Has Spoken has been pitiful at two runs back in Perth. He will need every bit of the freshen that Neville says he has given him.

Ranger from Tranquility and Lord's Ransom.

Suggested Bet: Small spec on Saint Encosta and Double Barrel.