Trainer Darren Weir confirmed it was a likely Winx clash next race for his start Japanese import Tosen Stardom in the Cox Plate 2017 after the galloper’s big win in the Toorak Handicap on Caulfield Guineas Day.

Impressive 2017 Toorak Handicap winner Tosen Stardom could head into the Cox Plate against Winx next race. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

Celebrating his third success in four years in the race, Weir saddled-up Saturday’s Group 1 $500,000 Toorak Handicap (1600m) top weight Tosen Stardom from an outside barrier in the mile classic.

The beautifully-bred Deep Impact stallion didn’t disappoint, carting 57.5kg to a one length win leading the Toorak Handicap trifecta ahead of the Lindsay Park-trained duo of Sovereign Nation ($21) and Petrology ($101) who both ran on from the back at big odds.

Weir prepared recent Toorak Handicap winners Trust In A Gust (2014) and Lucky Hussler (2015) who both came off lead-up runs in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m), including the former doing the double.

The Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes form held again in this year’s Toorak Handicap results, Tosen Stardom the fifth winner in six years to salute improving on his lead-up sixth when drawn the outside (14 of 14).

The seven-year-old, who is now a very valuable prospect at stud with the Group 1 win on the record, didn’t have luck barrier wise in the Toorak either jockey Damian Lane didn’t panic letting the horse drop back off the speed.

English raider Kaspersky, first-up in Australia, set the pace in the Toorak Handicap taking up the lead from the likes of I Am A Star, Tom Melbourne and fellow visitor Mask Of Time for Hugo Palmer who gain a start with the scratching of So Si Bon.

Tosen Stardom meanwhile was racing very deep, but with cover sitting around midfield as they approached the home turn.

The eventual winner came right down the centre once on the straight to take the lead in the closing stages, giving Weir a second Ladbrokes Caulfield Guineas Day double after the Ladbrokes Stakes upset of Gailo Chop.

Both horses could now take on super mare Winx in the Group 1 $3 million Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley on October 21 after their respective elite level wins.

Back to a mile Tosen Stardom was also back to his best, flashing home late for the important win that gives him a massive futures once retiring from racing.

“It’s a massive thrill to get a horse like this with a pedigree like this and to get a Group 1 with him,” Weir said post-victory.

“It was important.

“He’s got the pedigree to back it up and now and he’s a Group 1 winner.

“It’s just a great result all around.

“He got a terrific ride, wide with cover was the plan.

“The key today was to have a bit of racing in his legs.”

The galloper’s Cox Plate plans were thwarted last spring, but Weir said the performance in the Toorak put him in line for a chance in the weight-for-age classic in a fortnight.

“I guess if he pulls up well you’d probably have a go at the Cox Plate,” Weir said.

“The main thing is he’s a Group 1 winner now.”

Stablemate Gailo Chop has firmed into $17 second favouritism along with Tosen Stardom in futures Cox Plate odds at Ladbrokes.com.au dominated by dual defending champion Winx ($1.20).

To check out the latest Cox Plate betting price on Toorak Handicap winner Tosen Stardom, visit Ladbrokes.com.au.

2017 Toorak Handicap Results & Finishing Order

Caulfield Race 9 – 14/10/2017