After doubts were expressed yesterday by Michael Browell, the CEO of the Moonee Valley Racing Club about last year’s Cox Plate winner State Of Rest making the trip to Melbourne this year to defend his title, it has now been confirmed by trainer Joseph O’Brien that State Of Rest will definitely not be making the trip.
In a statement issued by O’Brien, the trainer stated, “An MRI scan conducted by Racing Victoria has found an issue and as such he will not pass necessary protocols to travel to Melbourne,” adding that, “State Of Rest will be retired to stud immediately.”
State of Rest, who was ridden by John Allen, beat Anamoe to the line in the 2021 Cox Plate, but his connections had to fight to keep the race in the steward’s room after Craig Williams, the rider of Anamoe, fired in a protest against the winner … where not even the most articulate and persuasive efforts from one of the best debaters in the saddle could get the result reversed.
Anamoe is currently favourite for this year’s 2022 Cox Plate where he will aim to set the record straight, although he will have to deal with the enormous presence of Zaaki, who will be on a similar mission after being scratched on the morning of last year’s Cox Plate when he was the very short-priced favourite for the big race.