Happy Clapper (Image: Bradley Photos)
Epsom Handicap winner Happy Clapper worked at Randwick on Monday morning and is likely to land in Melbourne on Wednesday night ahead of Saturday's $3 million Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley.
The popular galloper was a surprise addition to Cox Plate calculations last week after trainer Pat Webster hinted the son of Teofilo would bypass the weight-for-age feature in favour of a spell.
"His gallop this morning was strong," Webster said before explaining why Happy Clapper won't be seen at Breakfast With The Best on Tuesday morning at Moonee Valley.
"He's already raced at Moonee Valley and had a couple of goes the Melbourne way. He's better off staying at home in his routine for as long as possible - another Moonee Valley gallop won't make much of a difference to him now."
Happy Clapper finally broke through for a deserved Group 1 win last month. He's been a problem horse throughout his career but undoubtedly is coping better with racing as he's got older.
"He won first-up this time in, took on Winx second-up when second in the Chelmsford, won the Epsom third-up and probably should have won the Craven Plate last start.
"He's always been a good horse but this would be his best prep yet."
A $21 chance in markets for the Cox Plate, Webster is under no illusions about Saturday's assignment.
"We're not expecting him to beat Winx but it's a $3 million race and it's a real thrill to be in it. This will probably be the last good horse I get - fingers crossed."