A talented list of 173 local and international runners have been included in nominations for the 2015 Cox Plate (2040m); set to be contested as the feature race at Moonee Valley Racecourse on October 24^th.

Criterion leads Australia’s charge in 2015 Cox Plate nominations. Photo: Steve Hart

Having been taken out by Northern Hemisphere three-year-old Adelaide in 2014, the Cox Plate has received a total of 20 nominations from internationally trained horses who will target the race as both a major target and final competitive point of call ahead of the Melbourne Cup.

Leading Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien saddled Adelaide to success in the 2014 edition of the Cox Plate and has included a total of three runners in nominations for this year’s event; Cougar Mountain, Old Man River and Highland Reel.

The international contingent of Cox Plate nominees is further boosted by the likes of Arod and Gailo Chop; each having been rumoured to make the trip south through the last few months.

Finishing outside the first three only twice in eleven career starts, Arod has found exceptional form for trainer Peter Chapple–Hyam this year; returning for minors in each of the Group 3 Earl Of Sefton Stakes (1810m) and Group 1 Lockinge Stakes (1600m) before taking out both the Group 3 Diomed Stakes (1713m) and Group 2 Summer Mile (1600m).

Having since placed a close second in the Group 1 Sussex Stakes (1600m), the Teofilo entire appears in the right form for a serious assault on the 2015 Cox Plate.

Owned by Australia’s OTI Racing syndicate, Gailo Chop has notable experience in international assaults launched from his French base in recent seasons; namely a credible fourth in the Group 1 Belmont Derby (2011m) in the United States in 2014.

Leading German trainer Andreas Wohler experienced huge Spring Carnival success when Protectionist charged home to win the Melbourne Cup in 2014 and has entered four 2015 Cox Plate nominations, including Italian Derby winner Goldstream and Turfdonna.

Australia is set to field a particularly strong and exciting contingent in the 2015 Cox Plate, arguably led by talented globetrotter Criterion; who appears likely to contest only a short Spring Carnival campaign.

Posting an impressive six wins and eleven minors through 28 competitive starts so far, Criterion was unlucky not to break through for a maiden win at the highest level during his 2013 campaign, but responded well upon resuming in the 2014 autumn for wins in both the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) and Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m).

Continuing to impress through the Spring Carnival, the classy son of Sebring completed his 2014 campaign a credible third in the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin in December.

Undoubtedly finding career-best form to date during the recent Sydney Autumn Carnival however, Criterion claimed minors in each of the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) and Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) before delivering a crushing win in the major Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) on Day 2 of The Championships.

Having since finished third in the Group 1 QEII Cup (2000m) in Hong Kong and fifth in the Group 1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (2011m) at Royal Ascot, trainers David Hayes and Tom Dabernig are offered a genuine chance of success in 2015 Cox Plate nominee Criterion.

Ciaron Maher has undoubtedly experienced his most success 18 months as a trainer leading into the 2015 Spring Carnival and has included a total of seven horses in 2015 Cox Plate nominations, including Set Square.

Stamping her claims as one to watch through her debut preparation through the 2014 Spring Carnival, Set Square won a minor over 1600m on October 8^th; progressing to success in the Listed Ethereal Stakes (2000m) less than two weeks later before posting an impressive win in the Group 1 Crown Oaks (2500m).

Having returned this year for two positive black type results before failing to make an impact in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) and returning to the paddock, Maher revealed the daughter of Reset has taken huge benefit from her time away from racing and is confident of a strong preparation this time.

Several former international gallopers now trained in Australia have also been included in 2015 Cox Plate nominations, including both Noble Protector and Rising Romance.

Claiming five wins and six minors through only 14 career starts, Noble Protector was a standout for Robert Smerdon through the Autumn Carnival; winning both the Group 3 Schweppervescence Trophy (1600m) and Group 2 Sunline Stakes (1600m) before a credible third in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m).

Beginning her career under the guidance of kiwi trainer Donna Logan, Rising Romance crossed the Tasman twice in 2014; in autumn for success in the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) and in spring for a standout campaign highlighted by a close second in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m).

2015 Cox Plate Nominations