I've been a little slack on the news front the past couple of weeks, but couldn't miss today's announcement of nominees for the Cox Plate: https://cdn.racing.com/-/media/rv/2...ate-nominations.

187 horses have put their name forward; up from 135 last year.

Rostropovich, Youngstar, Ventura Storm, Ace High, Avilius and Red Cardinal were all 2018 Cox Plate nominees that went on to make the Melbourne Cup startlist.

Aidan O'Brien has nominated 11 horses, 8 of these are Northern Hemisphere 3 year olds (SH 4yo), including the exciting Japan. His son Joseph has 4, including Buckhurst, Latrobe and Master of Reality. Liam Howley's nominated Johannes Vermeer and Yucatan, among others.

From Japan they have Lys Gracieu and Meiner Fanrong coming. From France, Australian Bloodstock's Danceteria

Django Freeman will be coming over from Germany to Robert Hickmott, as expected.

Queensland Derby winner Mr Quickie is among the nominees, as is the Queensland Oaks winner Winning Ways, and All-Star Mile winner Mystic Journey.

Chris Waller unsurprisingly has the most nominees with 23, including: Finche, Verry Elleegant and Youngstar. Hayes & Dabernig have nominated 22.


Nominees for the Melbourne Cup should be released on August 29th. The race itself is only 90 days away.