Dunn turns grandstand jockey for Cox Plate

Jockey Dwayne Dunn reckons champion mare Winx should have some new gear added to her raceday attire for the Cox Plate.

“Maybe we can put a gear change on her, ‘tow rope on’,” Dunn joked.

“I think that’s the only way she can be beaten.”

Dunn doesn’t have a ride in Saturday’s race at Moonee Valley but has a keen interest in Royal Symphony who is part-owned by his wife Amanda.

He has ridden the Tony McEvoy-trained three-year-old in all six starts to date which includes the colt’s four wins.

But with 49.5kg on Saturday Dean Yendall takes over on the $16 second favourite in a market dominated by the $1.15 favourite Winx.

Yendall has ridden Royal Symphony twice in trackwork at Moonee Valley and Dunn says he will have a talk to the jockey before Saturday’s race.

“I was happy to let him find out things on his own,” Dunn said.

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“It’s a whole new ball game for me sitting on the other side of the fence but I like what I see.

“However I’m kidding myself thinking he can beat Winx, but if he can make a race or a contest of it, then everyone will be happy.”

Dunn expects lining up against eight opponents will be beneficial for Royal Symphony after striking traffic problems when fourth in the Caulfield Guineas at his last start.

Royal Symphony could back-up in the Victoria Derby at Flemington on Saturday week, depending on his performance, and Saturday’s Drummond Golf Vase over the Cox Plate course and distance was given consideration.

“The upside could be massive if he runs in the placings in the Cox Plate,” Dunn said.

“If he won the Guineas then the Cox Plate was a no-brainer.

“We don’t know what his level is yet so we’ll find out his pecking order of life I suppose.”

Dunn starts a seven-meeting careless riding suspension incurred at Geelong on Wednesday following Saturday’s meeting but returns in time for the Derby ride on Royal Symphony should the colt run in the $1.5 million race.