Anamoe Spell a Precursor to Huge Spring

Despite initially considered by Godolphin for Saturday’s Champagne Stakes (1600m), Australian Champion 2YO-elect Anamoe (Street Boss-Anamato, by Redoute’s Choice) has been sent to the spelling paddock. Already a proverbial street in front of his age contemporaries on the Black Type 2YO Premiership – he has 53 points followed by stablemate Ingratiating (Frosted) on 34 and Home Affairs (I Am Invincible) on 22 – Anamoe has nothing to prove and everything to gain from a leisurely winter. The context of the weighted decision shouldn’t be lost when looking ahead to the new season. The juvenile was at $1.50 in pre-post markets for the Champagne before his withdrawal while still untapped, and the manner of his finishing sectionals is suggestive of a colt who will be instantly at home in the Gr1 Golden Rose (1400m) and Gr1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) should trainer James Cummings elect to take that route. Boasting a dam who won the Gr1 Australasian Oaks (2400m) from a superb Group 1 family that includes Drum, Grand Armee, Port Watch, Absolute Champion, Yourdeel, Wylie Hall and Dealer Principal, it would be little surprise if Godolphin’s brains trust isn't already eyeing the Gr1 Cox Plate (2040m) on 23 October. There, Anamoe could emulate then 3YO and future Champion stallion Savabeel (Zabeel) who shouldered 49.5kg to victory in the Moonee Valley weight-for-age showpiece.