Broadsiding tipped for Cox Plate greatness after smashing rivals in G1 J.J Atkins

John O’Neill was so taken by Broadsiding’s win in Saturday’s Group 1 J.J Atkins, he now believes the two-year-old Colt will win this year’s Cox Plate.

Broadsiding was sent out as the $1.60 favourite in the 1600-metre feature at Eagle Farm and justified the short quote by demolishing his opposition, running away to secure a 4.25-length win.

“Best horse in Australia. I did say a couple of weeks ago… he’s the best horse in the country,” prominent owner O’Neill told SEN Track’s Giddy Up.  

The Godolphin star will now be sent for a spell before a spring campaign, which O’Neill will include a shot at the G1 Caulfield Guineas (12th October) and G1 Cox Plate (26th October).

“He will win the (Caulfield) Guineas and win the Cox Plate,” he added.  

Only one horse went from last year’s Caulfield Guineas, run over 1600 metres, to the extra distance of the Cox Plate.

The Ciaron Maher-trained King Colorado finished 4th in the Guineas before running last in the greatest weight-for-age race.

Broadsiding has had four wins from his seven starts. Trainer James Cumming prepared Anamoe to a Caulfield Guineas win in 2021, with the three-year-old running an unlucky 2nd in that year’s Cox Plate with the light weight.

Cummings said post-race that the Caulfield Guineas and Cox Plate were both on the table for Broadsiding.

“He’s such a good colt so he certainly deserves his chance, but great credit to the team who have managed through a big campaign,” Cummings said.

“The only real doubt throughout the week for some was a dry track or perhaps even a long prep, but I’ve got such a good team that I’ve been able to keep him not only fit but also healthy, well, growing and loving his training.”