Favourable Form

Another busy week awaits the Pfieffer cavalry as multiple runners are set to start amidst the excitement of Cox Plate celebrations.

The W.S Cox Plate easily defines the greatest Australian thoroughbreds of each era and with a mouthwatering clash between defending champion Winx and Godolphin's giantkiller Hartnell, this year's edition will have the racing world on edge.

Both Winx and Hartnell bring what broadcasters call "the Sydney form" that merges with the lines of Melbourne during the Spring Carnival; and so far Sydney has been a resounding winner in the battle of the states.

Apart from the Cox Plate duo, both the Thousand and Caulfield Guineas have been won by Sydney-trained horses in Global Glamour and Divine Prophet, whilst last Saturday's group winners Good Standing, Vanbrugh and Peacock have all trained and raced in Sydney.

It meant Pfieffer had confidence in his key Spring hopeful, Denmagic, in the G2 Tristarc against a talented group of mares in the 1400m contest. It therefore came as no surprise that the first four across the line were all from Sydney.

Despite another fourth placing, and thoughts of "what could have been", Pfieffer remained upbeat his mare was far from disappointing.

"She (Denmagic) just didn't seem to get a crack at them in the straight, which is just racing" Pfieffer said.

"We drew the inside and got the run of the race along the rail behind the leader, even the caller (Greg Miles) said multiple times during the race how well she was travelling; but in a odd twist of fate it proved to be her downfall.

"To her credit, she kept coming like she always does, and she gets another cheque banked in a G2".

A bigger track awaits Denmagic with Flemington's famous mile championship for mares, the G1 Myer Classic scheduled as the "grand final" for the daughter of Denman.

Back home and amongst a slightly easier group of gallopers, the big week of racing will begin for Team Pfieffer at Muswellbrook on Tuesday with Who's A Star and Fort Myer in races 3 and 5, both to be ridden by Bobby El-Issa.

The two geldings are well placed in their respective maiden events and will be well in the market to bring more winners for Team Pfieffer.

Thursday will see Brilliant Meteor race at Hawkesbury in the 1800m BM65 for Christian Reith, and As Good As It Gets contests the 1500m maiden, whilst Ziggy Willie, a hugely consistent gelding with solid form around the sprint distances, is set for the 1250m BM75 for older horses at the first Canterbury night meeting of the season.

It will set the stage for two of Pfieffer's favourites, Dixie Chick and Chestnut Road, to race this Saturday at Royal Randwick on a special day for the sport.