Grahame Begg has successfully completed his first couple of steps towards a 2011 Cox Plate title with both his main threats completing their final trials at Warwick Farm today.

Both Ilovethiscity and Secret Admirer ran in the opening two heats and their performance no doubt pleased the Begg stable.

Both horses won their respective trials and in the process accounted for some proven Group 1 performers.

While they may have only been trials it shows that they are progressing nicely ahead of their first up runs also to be held at Warwick Farm on August 20.

Ilovethiscity was the first out of the pair and the four year old put a handy 2.5 length gap between it and the second placed Red Tracer over 1200m.

Other notables in the trial included the fourth placed Gathering, 6th placed All Silent and the 2011 Sydney Cup Champion Stand To Gain back in seventh.

Ilovethiscity is considered to be Begg’s main 2011 Cox Plate threat at Moonee Valley Racecourse on October 22.

The colt is due back to the track later this month where he’ll run in the Show Country Quality Handicap over 1200m.

His program leading into the Cox Plate is likely to include races such as the Tramway Handicap and the George Main Stakes.

Secret Admirer made it two from two in trial number two when it got up by a short half head over the well performed Streama.

Their heat was only over 800m but had other big names such as Decision Time in 3rd, Helmet in 4th, Graceful Anna in 7th and Scared Choice in 8th.

Secret Admirer is likely to make a comeback in the Toy Show Quality Handicap over 1300m on the same card as Ilovethiscity.

She hasn’t started a race since her maiden Group 1 victory in the Flight Stakes over 1600m in October 2010.

It was only her fourth career start but a ligament injury brought an end to her prep and in turn ruined her autumn and winter hopes.

Both horses aren’t currently rated in earlier Cox Plate Betting but that could change very quickly should they start their spring period with good wins.

Ilovethiscity is currently around the $51 quote with SportingBet while Secret Admirer is a little further out at $61.