Commonwealth Games
League
Rugby
Football
Cricket
Golf
Sport Nation
Racing
Motorsport
Netball
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
Live sport on SN this weekendPunters beware: The query surrounding WA gun’s Victorian debut
Connor Scanlon • July 24th, 2026 3:09 pm
Western Australian gun Cosmic Crusader will be making his Victorian debut on Saturday in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.
The now Andrea Leek-trained five-year-old is currently the $3.30 favourite to win his maiden Victorian start.
The son of Maurice has a first-up record of three victories from four starts and has won at the distance twice before, but expert racing analysts Darren McAullay and Peter Anthonisz are slightly worried about the distance.
While McAullay identified that 1200m may be an issue, he admitted that the gelding should be fit and firing for a Victorian triumph.
“I’m sure he will run well,” McAullay stated.
“He’s got an enormous rating compared to his opposition in the Bletchingly.
“1200m might be the issue but he’s fresh and only had that 800m jumpout. You would imagine that Andrea Leek would have the horse absolutely humming there.”
Anthonisz couldn’t share that same confidence on the ex-Michael Grantham-trained Group 1 winner though.
The WA form expert explained that Cosmic Crusader may not be a 1200m horse and barrier 1 may be problematic.
In fact, Anthonisz cautioned punters over splashing the cash on the bay at his current quote.
“I just don’t know if he’s a 1200m horse, to be honest,” Anthonisz admitted.
“I think if he’s ready to peak first-up across 1200m, they’ve got their preparation around the wrong way.
“I don’t really love 1200m and I don’t really love barrier 1. There are probably just a few little queries there for me, against some horses that have a lot of match fitness on their side.
“I think there is some far better accomplished horses there at 1200m than Cosmic Crusader.
“It’s perhaps a risky proposition for punters to be diving in at that quote.”
The Group 3 will jump at 3:50pm AEST on Saturday, and the gelding will be competing against horses such as Winnasedge, Miraval Rose, Watchme Win and Zou Sensation.
What are you really gambling with? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
