Maher hoping Gold Trip can upstage Zaaki in Cox Plate

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Ciaron Maher

While Zaaki is generating all the hype ahead of the 2021 Cox Plate, Ciaron Maher is hoping that his stable can go back-to-back in the Moonee Valley feature with Gold Trip.

The five-year-old son of Outstrip has only one win from 10 starts in France, but he has placed three times at Group 1 level and finished fourth – ahead of both and – in the 2020 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Gold trip is currently quarantining at , and Maher spoke with Racing.com about his horse's chances heading to the 101st running of .

“He's an impressive horse to look at and he's over the first hurdle, so you know he's travelled well,” he said.

“He was out just for a light stretch of the legs today … so far, so good.”

Maher sent Sir Dragonet into the 2020 Cox Plate fresh off a spell and came away with the spoils, and he is hoping to do the same with Gold Trip.

“They're different sorts of horses,” he said.

“But carrying the same sort of quality form across from Europe – obviously run in some very big races.

“He's a quality horse, so we're en route.

“I haven't actually been in quarantine to see him yet, I've only seen him work over the fence.

“He's a very exciting horse.”

Gold Trip holds nominations for both the Cox Plate and , where he is $10 and $21 respectively with online bookmakers in futures markets.

Sir Dragonet will race in Saturday's at Flemington, where he is set to once again clash with defending champion Verry Elleegant and favourite .

The 2020 Cox Plate winner ran a terrific third behind Incentivise and favourite Mo'unga in the Makybe Diva Stakes when first-up, reversing his form from a disappointing campaign in Queensland over the Winter .

Sir Dragonet is currently $7 in the Turnbull Stakes, which is likely to be run on his favoured wet track, while he is a $15 chance to defend his title in the Cox Plate.

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