New Zealand’s top colt, Xtravagant, is heading directly to Melbourne in early August to campaign, with a view to running in the Cox Plate.

“We will probably trial him on the better tracks and look to kick him off at Caulfield on the 27^th of August, most likely in the Heath Stakes over 1100 metres,” said Te Akau principal, David Ellis.

“We will then be looking to run in races like the Toorak Handicap, and hopefully he will finish up in the Cox Plate,” he added.

The dual Group 1 winner of the New Zealand 2000 Guineas was up against the older horses in the NRM Sprint, he won both by wide margins, Xtravagant hasn’t raced since his clear cut victory in the Group3 Cambridge Breeders Stakes in April.

He made a hit and miss trip to Melbourne for the Australian Guineas, and whilst he led into the straight he folded up very quickly, finishing in the middle of the field.

The only excuse tendered was he didn’t settle in the paddock, he was inclined to run his race before it actually started.

There is no question that he is a very good horse at home in New Zealand, let’s hope we see the best of him when he performs in Melbourne.

Xtravagant - Looking for a berth in the Cox Plate