Yulong has deferred a blockbuster clash between Group 1 stars Via Sistina and Treasurethe Moment to the Cox Plate on October 25 at The Valley.

Racing manager Troy Stephens on Thursday confirmed plans to keep reigning Cox Plate winner Via Sistina, the newly-minted Australia Racehorse of the Year, and rising star Treasurethe Moment separated “in the best interests of both horses” until a showdown in Australia’s best race.

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Treasurethe Moment roared to victory in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes last Saturday at Caulfield.

Stephens said Chris Waller-trained Via Sistina “likely” remains in Sydney and is “provisionally pencilled” for the 7 Stakes at Randwick.

The Group 1 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield is on the same day and still a possible option.

Via Sistina would then be aimed at the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes ahead of a bid to defend her Cox Plate crown.

Treasurethe Moment (left) and Via Sistina are heading towards a Cox Plate showdown.

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Four-time Group 1-winner Treasurethe Moment, the Champion Three-Year-Old Filly last season after her VRC Oaks, Vinery Stud Stakes and Australian Oaks triumphs, is slated for the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington on Saturday week.

Treasurethe Moment, trained by Matt Laurie, could then run in the Group 1 Might And Power Stakes at Caulfield, her last tune-up for the Cox Plate.

The daughter of Yulong stallion Alabama Express has an opportunity to become only the fifth four-year-old mare in history to win the Cox Plate.

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“We feel that it is in the best interests of the horses not to meet until they need to.” Stephens said in a statement.

“After discussions with Mr Zhang, the Yulong team and the trainers, both Chris and Matt have agreed to change their preparations slightly, keeping each mare on their own separate path that will ultimately benefit the horses long-term.

“This season’s Cox Plate is certainly not a two-horse race, but it will definitely add to the spectacle if these two great mares’ line up for the first time together in October.”