The West Australian breeding industry delivered when it counted during the Group 1 Cox Plate meeting at Flemington on Saturday.
Maschino sprinter Smooth Chino raised his head at the right time in a riveting finish to the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1200m) before Cosmic Crusader fulfilled a life-long dream for Perth owner-breeder Bob Peters in Australia’s weight-for-age championship.
It was the first Cox Plate win for the west since all-time great Northerly (Serheed) went back-to-back in 2001 and 2002. And the enormity of the occasion wasn’t lost on Peters who is normally cool, calm and collected during post-race interviews.
“I’m a bit overwhelmed and don’t get speechless very often but this is the best race in Australia by a long way. He’s not in the same class as Northerly but he’s getting close to Old Comrade (Old Spice) who is the best horse I’ve ever raced.”
Cosmic Crusader wins the 2026 Cox Plate / Racing Photos
Cosmic Crusader (6g Maurice – Cosmic Storm by Street Sense) had won the G1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot last December and he’s been the form horse of the Melbourne spring carnival since Peters sent him across to Pakenham trainer Andrea Leek.
He won G3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) and G2 Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield prior to an interstate Group 1 first in the Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington earlier this month. The Cox Plate result improved his career stats to 12 wins in 24 starts for prizemoney exceeding $6.83 million.
Winning jockey Willie Pike saluted the crowd after setting the Perth raider alight from second-last on the home turn. They mowed down the leaders to win running away from Birdman (Ire) and Aeliana (NZ).
“When he came off their backs I knew we were a chance and he was strong through the line,” Pike reported. “It’s an iconic day and Mr Peters taught me they’re athletes and to keep the pressure on. That’s amazing thing from an owner’s perspective.”
Cosmic Crusader is by Arrowfield Stud shuttler Maurice (Jpn) from a G3 La Trice Classic (1800m) winner and second-dam Stormy Nova (Metal Storm) won a G3 Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m).
Smooth Chino had set the scene for the Westspeed State with a Group 2 McEwen Stakes win that was far from straightforward for jockey Austin Galati down the straight-six and for trainer Indianna Weinert in the grandstand.
Stewards reported: “Smooth Chino was fractious in the barriers before bounding as the start was effected. He lost ground and raced keenly.”
“Thanks to ‘Indi’ and the owners. It’s surreal winning in front of such a big crowd at Flemington,” Galati said after the narrow victory over Mazu (Maurice). “Credit to the horse. He gets a bit warm on raceday and has his quirks but it’s always been that way and doesn’t worry me.”
Weinert admitted Smooth Chino has put a whole new prospective on her future since transferring interstate from Albany to Gawler. “I really can’t believe it. Moving has definitely helped me and the horse has also fitted in well.”
He’s won 8 of 13 starts and has earned $930,000 with a $3 million grand-final on the cards in the Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington on November 7.
Smooth Chino (5g Maschino – Amorei by Gingerbread Man) was a $40,000 purchase from Mogumber Park at the 2023 Perth Magic Millions and his dam delivered another filly by Alwyn Park sire Maschino last month. “I took a punt buying him at the Magic Millions,” Weinert recalled. “I didn’t have the money to pay for him on the day but it was a life-changing decision.”
Weinert and Smooth Chino were profiled in a McEwen Stakes preview here
