French raider Vadamos has been touted the X-factor in Saturday's Group I Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley.
The six-year-old son of Monsun hails from the forests of Chantilly and tackles Australasia's weight-for-age championship after winning the Group I Moulin de Longchamp (1600m) in September.
Below is a profile on Vadamos.
VADAMOS (MONSUN x CELEBRE VADALA) 6yo B H
Record: 18: 8-5-0
Trainer: Andre Fabre (Fr), Australian record – 4st: 1w, 2p (2014 Group II Sandown Classic – Au Revoir)
Jockey: Joao Moreira
Barrier: 2
Racing pattern: Typical European, on-pacer able to sustain a long run to the line
Winning distance range: 1600-2400m
Preferred ground: Good
The quote: "He is a beautiful big strong horse. You can see he has a touch of class about him." (Damien Oliver after riding track work)
Major wins: Group I Moulin De Longchamp (1600m) at Chantilly
Chink in the armour: Doesn't typically travel well. A concession made by the trainer and evidenced by poor performances in Dubai and Ascot over the past 12 months.
Comment: Brings an unknown element to the race and looks a likely leader. Coming off a Group I victory in his homeland over a mile in September so fitness shouldn't be a problem. By a top class sire in Monsun and has form around elite performers Solow and Esoterique. Difficult to get a line on him compared to Winx and Hartnell but connections think he is up to the challenge.
Cox Plate odds: $15 (Sportsbet, CrownBet)
Click here for a replay of the Group I Moulin de Longchamp.
