In the world of Australian horse racing, few events capture the imagination like the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley. Known as the “weight-for-age championship of Australasia,” the Cox Plate is one of the most prestigious races on the calendar, with a long history of showcasing the best of the best.
The 2024 Cox Plate promises to be no different, and this year, all eyes are on a rising star—Broadsiding—as he gears up for the race that could define his career.
Broadsiding’s path to the Cox Plate has been an exciting one, characterized by grit, determination, and a series of impressive performances that have propelled him to the top of many punters’ lists of horses to watch this spring.
As he prepares to take on some of the biggest names in racing, Broadsiding’s story is one of resilience, talent, and the hope of defying the odds.
Broadsiding’s rise to prominence has been a gradual process, marked by steady improvement and a knack for stepping up when it matters most. Bred from a modest but promising lineage, Broadsiding didn’t make headlines early in his career.
His two-year-old season was relatively low-profile, consisting of a few solid but unspectacular performances, and he remained somewhat under the radar.
It wasn’t until his three-year-old season that Broadsiding began to show his true potential. Under the careful guidance of his trainer, James Cummings, Broadsiding blossomed, displaying an impressive turn of foot and a developing maturity that enabled him to compete at a higher level.
His breakthrough came in the Autumn Carnival, where he secured a victory in the Rosehill Guineas—a performance that demonstrated his stamina and ability to handle pressure against quality opposition.
The Rosehill Guineas win not only highlighted Broadsiding’s class but also provided a glimpse into his capacity for bigger things. From there, his trajectory continued upwards, with strong performances in Group 1 company that earned him a spot among the best middle-distance horses in the country.
As he now gears up for the Cox Plate, Broadsiding is no longer the underdog he once was; he’s a genuine contender with a real chance of claiming the crown.
The Cox Plate is widely regarded as one of the most challenging races on the Australian calendar, requiring a unique combination of speed, stamina, and tactical nous. For Broadsiding and his team, preparation has been key to ensuring that he is ready to tackle the 2040 meters of the tight Moonee Valley circuit.
Trainer James Cummings has crafted a specific program designed to bring Broadsiding to his peak at exactly the right time. The journey to the Cox Plate began with a carefully selected series of lead-up races, designed to build fitness while testing Broadsiding in different scenarios.
One of the standout performances came in the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington, where Broadsiding finished a close second behind a seasoned Group 1 competitor. The run demonstrated his ability to mix it with the best, and, crucially, showed that he was hitting form at just the right moment.
In addition to his race schedule, Broadsiding’s training has focused on honing his ability to navigate the sharp turns of Moonee Valley—a key factor in Cox Plate success. To replicate race conditions, Cummings has utilised similar turning tracks and employed barrier practice to ensure that Broadsiding can take advantage of whatever draw he receives.
Cummings has also worked on Broadsiding’s turn of foot, knowing that the Cox Plate often comes down to who can produce a powerful burst of speed at the right time.
The stable is quietly confident. Cummings recently spoke to the media about Broadsiding’s preparation, saying, “He’s shown us everything we wanted to see.
His gallops have been first-class, and he’s pulled up well from each of his runs. We know we’re going to need a bit of luck in a race like the Cox Plate, but we feel he’s got the quality to be right there when it matters.”
Broadsiding’s strength lies in his versatility. Unlike many of his competitors, he’s shown an ability to adapt to different race tempos, tracks, and conditions.
Whether it’s a fast-run race that tests stamina or a tactical affair that requires a sharp sprint home, Broadsiding has proven capable of handling both. This adaptability will be crucial in a race like the Cox Plate, where the dynamics can change dramatically depending on the pace set by the leaders.
Another key strength is his temperament. Broadsiding is known for being calm and composed, both in the barriers and during the running of the race. The atmosphere at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate day is electric, with the crowd close to the action and the pressure palpable.
Some horses can become overwhelmed by the occasion, but Broadsiding’s calm demeanor should stand him in good stead when the pressure is on.
Broadsiding, by comparison, is less experienced at this level, and while his talent is undeniable, the question remains whether he can match it with these battle-hardened stars when the chips are down.
Another challenge is the unique nature of the Moonee Valley track. It’s a tight, turning circuit that can be difficult to navigate, especially for horses that aren’t used to it. Positioning is key, and jockey James will need to ensure that Broadsiding doesn’t get caught wide or boxed in.
A good barrier draw will be vital, and connections will be hoping for a gate that allows Broadsiding to settle comfortably without having to expend too much energy early on.
As Cox Plate day approaches, the excitement around Broadsiding continues to build. He’s captured the imagination of the racing public, not just because of his talent but because of his story.
From a relatively modest beginning to a genuine contender in one of Australia’s greatest races, Broadsiding represents the dream that racing offers—an underdog taking on the champions and proving that anything is possible.
His fan base has grown significantly over the past few months, with many drawn to his fighting spirit and the determination he shows on the track. In an age where big-name studs and powerful owners often dominate, Broadsiding’s story is a refreshing reminder of what makes racing so special.
His ownership group, which includes a number of everyday racing fans who bought into a syndicate, is relishing the ride, and their enthusiasm has been infectious.
On Cox Plate day, the atmosphere at Moonee Valley will be electric. The grandstands will be packed, the famous “Cauldron” atmosphere at its peak, and the weight of history hanging over every stride. For Broadsiding, the challenge will be significant, but there is a quiet confidence within the stable that he can rise to the occasion.
James, who has ridden Broadsiding in most of his races, will be tasked with giving him the best possible chance of success. James is an experienced jockey who knows how to handle the pressure of big races, and his partnership with Broadsiding has been one of mutual understanding and trust.
His tactics on the day will be crucial—whether to go forward, sit just behind the pace, or bide his time at the back will depend on the tempo of the race and the position of key rivals.
The key to Broadsiding’s success will likely be his ability to settle early and conserve energy for the final 600 meters, where the Cox Plate is often won or lost.
If James can find a good position and Broadsiding can produce his trademark turn of foot at the right moment, there is every chance that he could be in the mix when they hit the famous Moonee Valley straight.
The 2024 Cox Plate shapes as one of the most competitive in recent memory, with a mix of established champions, emerging stars, and, of course, the underdog story of Broadsiding. For his connections, just having a runner in the Cox Plate is a dream come true, but there is a growing belief that they could be in for something even more special.
Racing is a sport of dreams, and on Cox Plate day, anything can happen. Broadsiding has already shown that he belongs in this company, and now the question is whether he can take that final step and etch his name alongside some of the greatest horses to have ever graced the turf.
As the gates fly open and the field thunders around Moonee Valley, all eyes will be on the chestnut with the big heart, and for those who have followed his journey, there will be a sense that this could be Broadsiding’s moment to shine.
Win, lose, or draw, Broadsiding’s story is one that embodies the spirit of racing—an underdog defying the odds, chasing glory on one of the sport’s biggest stages
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ui4W3O6Ua8&t=10s
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Bleue Pepite is a half sister to the Group 3 winning mare Think Bleue.
This Colt is extremely well balanced and a showed a fantastic willing workmanlike attitude. He was well put together with plenty of scope.
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Kurrinda Bloodstock Syndications stands out as a trusted and proven syndicator in the world of Australian horse racing.
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