**Cox Plate Champ Via Sistina's Cup Plans Up In Air**

Zacong

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Post on Oct 31, 2024

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Cox Plate Champ Via Sistina's Cup Plans Up in Air: Will She Race Again This Spring?

The reigning Cox Plate champion, Via Sistina, faces an uncertain future as connections weigh up her next move. Her stunning victory at Moonee Valley in October 2023 cemented her status as a top-class mare, but a recent injury has thrown her spring campaign into doubt.

The Injury: Via Sistina sustained a minor tendon issue after her last race, a setback that has forced her owners and trainers to re-evaluate her immediate racing plans. While not deemed a serious injury, the setback has provided a valuable opportunity for the team to reassess the mare's long-term welfare.

The Options: There are two main paths forward for Via Sistina:

• Return to Racing: With careful management, Via Sistina's injury is expected to heal within a few months. If she recovers fully, a return to the racetrack remains a possibility, with the likes of the All-Star Mile and Queen Elizabeth Stakes potentially on the radar.
• Retirement: Alternatively, the injury could be a sign that the time is right for the mare to retire. Via Sistina has already achieved significant success, with her Cox Plate triumph standing as a highlight of her career. Her owners may opt to prioritize her well-being and allow her to enjoy a comfortable retirement.

Key Factors to Consider:

• Severity and Recovery Time: The extent of the injury and the time required for a full recovery will be crucial factors in the decision-making process.
• Age and Race Record: At five years old, Via Sistina is in the prime of her racing career, but the strain of top-level racing can take its toll.
• Financial Considerations: The cost of rehabilitation and potential future campaigns will need to be carefully considered.

Fans Await Word: Racing fans eagerly await updates on Via Sistina's condition and future plans. Her absence from the spring racing carnival would be a significant blow, but her long-term health and well-being remain paramount.

The decision on Via Sistina's racing future is a complex one, balancing sporting ambitions with the mare's welfare. While the outcome remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the champion mare's legacy is already cemented.