Sydney star Theseo showed he was on-course for a crack at the Cox Plate when he led from barrier to box in the G2 Chelmsford Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday.  The tough a teak gelding was fifth behind Maldivian in the 2008 Cox Plate but was sidelined last year.

Theseo (7g Danewin – Ozone Sand by L’enjoleur) sent his earnings soaring past $3.20 million when he beat home Metal Bender by a length.  “He’s such a champ this horse,” trainer Gai Waterhouse beamed.  “He’s come back with such a vengeance and is so much stronger and so much more focused.”

Theseo will run in the G1 George Main Stakes before going to Melbourne for the Cox Plate.  The Chelmsford was his ninth black-type victory and among them are five at Group 1 level.  He was purchased by Star Thoroughbreds for $120,000 from Emirates Park at the 2005 Gold Coast Magic Millions.  

His dam Ozone Sand has also thrown Perak Derby winner Gold Arrow (Snaadee).  The USA bred mare also has a 3yo colt named Alzone (Al Samer) and a 2yo filly named Layaali Dubai (Al Maher).

Waterhouse has come close to winning her first Cox Plate in recent years.  Redoute’s Choice mare Lotteria looked the winner in 2005 until Makybe Diva arrived with a trademark finish and she came off second best again last year when Manhattan Rain (Encosta de Lago) was runner-up to So You Think.