Danceteria’s Cox Plate draw suits Menuisier

Globe-trotting gelding has recovered from minor setback.

David Menuisier is content with Danceteria’s draw for the Ladbrokes Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.

The four-year-old won a Group One in Germany on his most recent start back in July, but a planned run in the Caulfield Stakes earlier this month had to be abandoned because of a minor setback.

Danceteria is back on form, and Menuisier is satisfied with his post position in stall 10 in Melbourne on Saturday – although he will break from box nine if none of the four reserve runners gets a start in the race, with third emergency Gailo Chop having drawn the inside barrier.

“Having walked the track, I was hoping to get between six and 10 – so I’m pretty happy with the draw,” said Sussex trainer Menuisier.

“The horse did his final piece of work on Tuesday morning, which I was very pleased with.

“He had a minor setback with some mucus, which is why we decided not to start him last time, but he seems very well in himself now – so everything has worked out for the best.

“It’s obviously quite difficult to line up all the form, because I don’t know the strength of the opposition – but if he runs up to his best and there are no hard luck stories, then I’m very confident he’ll run a big race.”

Aidan O’Brien runs Magic Wand in Australia’s weight-for-age championship, and she will break from stall three in the hands of Ryan Moore – who will ride her in a piece of work at Racing Victoria’s International Horse Centre on Wednesday.

Japanese raider Lys Gracieux (Yoshito Yahagi) is among the leading hopes but was drawn in 15, while compatriot Kluger (Tomokazu Takano) is in stall nine.

A total of 14 runners will start, with the four emergency runners including the Saeed bin Suroor-trained Dream Castle.

Should he not get a run, Dream Castle will contest the Group Two Schweppes Crystal Mile – a race which is also set to feature Danceteria’s stablemate Chief Ironside.

Magic Wand’s stable companion Hunting Horn, who holds an entry for the Lexus Melbourne Cup, will also run on Saturday in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup.

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