International trainer Joseph O’Brien believes the lack of race day experience won’t hinder the chances of State Of Rest in Saturday’s Cox Plate.
The four-year-old has raced just eight times in his career, collecting under $1 million in prize money.
O’Brien, 28, is the youngest trainer in the race, with the most inexperienced horse, but doesn't believe that will be a disadvantage this weekend.
“I’m really looking forward to the race,” O’Brien said on SEN Track’s Bensley.
“It’s certainly not a disadvantage, he’s quite a straightforward horse and his preparation seems to have gone well.
“We think the track and race will suit him well.
“He probably does have to step up again form-wise, but we think that the conditions will suit him well and we think he has every chance in running a big race.”
“I’m not too worried about (the lack of experience), he’s risen to every task that we’ve set him, he has plenty of experience so I’m not too worried about that even though he doesn’t have the miles that some of his competition does.”
With heavy rain forecast for Friday and Saturday, O’Brien feels the soft surface will not be a worry for this galloper out of Starspangledbanner.
“He has form as a two-year-old on ground that was nearly soft so hopefully he can handle most conditions.”
State Of Rest is currently rated a $12 chance and will be ridden by John Allen.
