Charlie Fellowes has his sights on Australia’s richest weight-for-age race, the Cox Plate, with rising star Luther, who contests Saturday’s Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes at Saratoga.

The Frankel colt boasts strong juvenile form, including a Listed win and a fifth in the Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes.

He started his season with a close second at Chelmsford and followed it up with a top-four finish in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains.

Although unplaced in the Prix du Jockey Club, Fellowes is satisfied with the colt’s preparation and excited about his chances in the U.S.

“He’s really good and has taken the journey over there like a champ,” said Fellowes.

“He had a little blow yesterday morning on the dirt, he looks fantastic, he’s eaten everything that we’ve thrown at him and all the usual boxes that you want to tick when you go away have been ticked.

“I’ve always thought America would suit him at some stage in his career. At the end of the day, I’m trying to find the best opportunity for my horse to win the biggest race he can possibly win and there’s no bigger race than a Grade 1.”

Plans are in place to run in the Saratoga Derby next month — a race that provides a pathway to the Cox Plate, just as State Of Rest did successfully in 2021.

“Long term, the Saratoga Derby is a win-and-you’re-in for the Cox Plate,” he explained.

“Although that’s a very, very long way away, the owner, Mr Hickman who owns 75% of him, lives in Singapore and I know would love for him to head down to Australia.”

Fellowes is no stranger to the Aussie scene, having previously campaigned Prince Of Arran with success across multiple Melbourne Cups and spring features.

Betting on international horses like Luther is popular — compare odds and promotions via justhorseracing.com.au.