The Cox Plate is a Group 1 race at Flemington on Saturday, and it’s one of the must-see races on the Australian racing calendar.
Cox Plate odds have Sir Delius narrowly favoured to win, but money has come for 3YO colt Warwoven with a light weight.
Cox Plate Final Field & Barrier Draw
| 1. Ceolwulf (3) J: Chad Schofield 59kg 52322 T: Joseph Pride | |||
| Form hard to fault. Last start 2nd in a small field in the G1 King Charles Iii Stakes at Randwick on October 17 over 1609m, slow going 2.25 len behind Autumn Glow carrying 59kg at $4.80. The race before that 2nd of 16 in the G1 Epsom Handicap at Randwick on October 3 over 1600m, on a slow track; 1.75 len behind God’s Window with 59kg at $9.50. Racing as well as ever, gets a smother and explodes late. | |||
| 2. Light Infantry Man (11) J: Harry Coffey 59kg 5×482 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Most recently set the pace for much of the race 2nd of 13 in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m, on rain affected going; 1.75 len behind Cosmic Crusader with 58kg at $26. Before that 8th of 10 in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes at this track on September 12 over 1600m, 5.5 len behind Sheza Alibi with 59kg at $41. Loves Flemington, was game last time, can give cheek. | |||
| 3. Sir Delius (5) J: Craig Williams 59kg 31×44 T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up 4th of 10 in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes at this track on September 12 over 1600m, 4 len behind Sheza Alibi with 59kg at $5. Second run from a spell 4th of 13 in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m, on a wet track; 3.5 len behind Cosmic Crusader with 59kg at $3. Been set for this, set up is perfect, best horse in the race if he brings it. | |||
| 4. Attrition (4) J: Jamie Mott 59kg x9031 T: Mitchell Freedman | |||
| At the latest run won by a neck in the G2 Hill Stakes at Rosehill on October 10 over 1900m defeating Lindermann with 59kg at $6. Before that raced on the pace when 3rd of 8 in the G1 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield on September 19 over 1800m, 4 len behind Birdman with 59kg at $101. Rock solid, good win last time, doubt he quite has the class. | |||
| 5. Cosmic Crusader (8) J: William Pike 59kg 13214 T: Andrea Leek | |||
| Most recently 4th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 1.4 len behind Kingswood with 56kg at $4.80. The start before that favourite; won by 1.75 len in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m on a heavy track defeating Light Infantry Man with 58kg at $8. Not far away last start. Iron horse, the Turnbull win says he can win and he’ll be fitter than anything. | |||
| 6. Birdman (1) J: Ben Melham 59kg 1×613 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Form hard to fault. At the latest run 3rd in a small field in the G1 Might And Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2000m, 1.4 len behind Land Legend carrying 59kg at $4.40. The run before that won by 1.75 len in the G1 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield on September 19 over 1800m defeating Cosmic Crusader carrying 59kg at $6. Like the draw, can improve again and the Underwood win was dominant. | |||
| 7. Land Legend (12) J: Ethan Brown 59kg 9×001 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| At the latest run won by a head in the G1 Might And Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2000m defeating Sheza Alibi carrying 59kg at $61. Before that 11th of 13 in the G3 Jra Cup at Caulfield on September 27 over 2000m, 9 len behind Royal Supremacy with 56.5kg at $12. Shock winner in track record time latest, not sure they’ll let him pinch this one. | |||
| 8. Middle Earth (7) J: John Allen 59kg x8789 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Most recently 9th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 5.5 len behind Kingswood with 55kg at $61. The start before that 8th of 13 in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m, on a wet track; 10 len behind Cosmic Crusader carrying 56kg at $31. Outclassed, better suited next week in the Cup. | |||
| 9. Saint George (6) J: Blake Shinn 59kg 11202 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Most recently 2nd of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 0.5 len behind Kingswood carrying 53.5kg at $10. The race before that eased back early on 10th of 13 in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m, on rain affected going; 11 len behind Cosmic Crusader with 55kg at $13. Doubt he’s good enough. | |||
| 10. Aeliana (10) J: James McDonald 57kg 1×023 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Racing well recently. Last start 3rd of 13 in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m, on a wet track; 2.75 len behind Cosmic Crusader with 57kg at $3.80. The start before that 2nd in a small field in the G2 7 Stakes at Randwick on September 19 over 1600m, 1.3 len behind Autumn Glow carrying 57kg at $21. Building beautifully, will be charging home. | |||
| 11. Warwoven (2) J: Rachel King 49.5kg x5111 T: Bjorn Baker | |||
| Form hard to fault. Most recently favourite; came from midfield and won by 1.75 len in the G1 Caulfield Guineas on October 10 over 1600m defeating Blind Raise with 57kg at $2.40. The run before that favourite; won by 3 len in the G1 Golden Rose Stakes at Rosehill on September 26 over 1400m defeating St Gotthard with 56.5kg at $6. Very talented 3yo, draws perfectly, this is the acid test. | |||
| 12. Blind Raise (9) J: Jamie Melham 49.5kg 9×112 T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | |||
| Racing well recently. Last start held ground to the line 2nd of 11 in the G1 Caulfield Guineas on October 10 over 1600m, 1.75 len behind Warwoven carrying 57kg at $3.10. The start before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 2.75 len in the G3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude on September 19 over 1400m defeating Tornado Valley with 57kg at $2.40. Very brave in the Guineas, wouldn’t surprise if he measured right up. | |||
Warwoven has been well-backed to win the Cox Plate, and barrier 2 is a big help. He’ll get every chance in the run from there, which is why money has come for him since markets opened.
Cosmic Crusader has drawn awkwardly in barrier 8, which isn’t ideal for him. One runner getting a good draw is Sir Delius, who jumps from barrier 5 with Craig Williams riding, and he’ll lob into a good spot.
Ceolwulf has been getting close to another big win, finishing runner-up in both the Epsom Handicap and King Charles III Stakes. Those efforts show he’s holding his form nicely and can match it with a quality field.
He should be comfortable stepping out to 2040m, and barrier three gives him a good chance to settle without doing too much early. He’ll need a bit of luck when the sprint goes on, but he’s racing well enough to be right in the finish.
| 1. Ceolwulf (3) J: Chad Schofield 59kg 52322 T: Joseph Pride | |||
| Form hard to fault. Last start 2nd in a small field in the G1 King Charles Iii Stakes at Randwick on October 17 over 1609m, slow going 2.25 len behind Autumn Glow carrying 59kg at $4.80. The race before that 2nd of 16 in the G1 Epsom Handicap at Randwick on October 3 over 1600m, on a slow track; 1.75 len behind God’s Window with 59kg at $9.50. Racing as well as ever, gets a smother and explodes late. | |||
Light Infantry Man has the experience and ability to give this a shake, with his Australian Cup win earlier in the year showing he’s capable of producing a big performance when things fall into place.
| 2. Light Infantry Man (11) J: Harry Coffey 59kg 5×482 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Most recently set the pace for much of the race 2nd of 13 in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m, on rain affected going; 1.75 len behind Cosmic Crusader with 58kg at $26. Before that 8th of 10 in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes at this track on September 12 over 1600m, 5.5 len behind Sheza Alibi with 59kg at $41. Loves Flemington, was game last time, can give cheek. | |||
Sir Delius has plenty of credentials heading into the race, particularly after winning the Cox Plate last year. His recent Turnbull Stakes run wasn’t quite up to his usual standard, but there’s no need to panic just yet.
Barrier five should give Craig Williams plenty of options, and his previous success over this distance is a major positive. If he can get back to the form that made him a Cox Plate winner, he’ll be one of the hardest horses to get past. A very strong chance.
| 3. Sir Delius (5) J: Craig Williams 59kg 31×44 T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up 4th of 10 in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes at this track on September 12 over 1600m, 4 len behind Sheza Alibi with 59kg at $5. Second run from a spell 4th of 13 in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m, on a wet track; 3.5 len behind Cosmic Crusader with 59kg at $3. Been set for this, set up is perfect, best horse in the race if he brings it. | |||
Attrition comes into the race as one of the outsiders, but his recent win was an encouraging sign that he might be starting to hit his straps again.
However, he’ll need to lift significantly to compete with the big names here, and it’s hard to see him winning unless everything goes his way.
| 4. Attrition (4) J: Jamie Mott 59kg x9031 T: Mitchell Freedman | |||
| At the latest run won by a neck in the G2 Hill Stakes at Rosehill on October 10 over 1900m defeating Lindermann with 59kg at $6. Before that raced on the pace when 3rd of 8 in the G1 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield on September 19 over 1800m, 4 len behind Birdman with 59kg at $101. Rock solid, good win last time, doubt he quite has the class. | |||
Cosmic Crusader has had a productive spring, with his Turnbull Stakes win standing out as a real highlight. He showed in that performance that he has the quality to take on some serious opposition.
The Caulfield Cup didn’t go quite as well, but the shorter journey here could suit him better. The big question is whether he’s still fresh enough after a demanding campaign. William Pike is a handy booking, and if Cosmic Crusader turns up in the same form as his Turnbull win, he’ll be a major player.
| 5. Cosmic Crusader (8) J: William Pike 59kg 13214 T: Andrea Leek | |||
| Most recently 4th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 1.4 len behind Kingswood with 56kg at $4.80. The start before that favourite; won by 1.75 len in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m on a heavy track defeating Light Infantry Man with 58kg at $8. Not far away last start. Iron horse, the Turnbull win says he can win and he’ll be fitter than anything. | |||
Birdman has a bit of ground to make up after his latest disappointing effort, but his earlier win in the Underwood Stakes gives him a genuine chance of bouncing back.
The inside draw is a big advantage, with barrier one allowing Ben Melham to look for a cheap run and keep him out of trouble.
| 6. Birdman (1) J: Ben Melham 59kg 1×613 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Form hard to fault. At the latest run 3rd in a small field in the G1 Might And Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2000m, 1.4 len behind Land Legend carrying 59kg at $4.40. The run before that won by 1.75 len in the G1 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield on September 19 over 1800m defeating Cosmic Crusader carrying 59kg at $6. Like the draw, can improve again and the Underwood win was dominant. | |||
Land Legend arrives off a strong win in the Might And Power Stakes, where he showed he can take charge of a race and keep going when the pressure comes on. However, this is a tough race, and we can’t see lightning striking twice.
| 7. Land Legend (12) J: Ethan Brown 59kg 9×001 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| At the latest run won by a head in the G1 Might And Power Stakes at Caulfield on October 10 over 2000m defeating Sheza Alibi carrying 59kg at $61. Before that 11th of 13 in the G3 Jra Cup at Caulfield on September 27 over 2000m, 9 len behind Royal Supremacy with 56.5kg at $12. Shock winner in track record time latest, not sure they’ll let him pinch this one. | |||
Middle Earth hasn’t done enough in recent starts to inspire much confidence, and he’ll need to produce something well above what we’ve seen lately to be competitive here.
| 8. Middle Earth (7) J: John Allen 59kg x8789 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Most recently 9th of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 5.5 len behind Kingswood with 55kg at $61. The start before that 8th of 13 in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m, on a wet track; 10 len behind Cosmic Crusader carrying 56kg at $31. Outclassed, better suited next week in the Cup. | |||
Saint George comes into the Cox Plate after a solid second in the Caulfield Cup, which should give him some confidence heading into another major race.
The concern is whether he can reproduce that level of performance over the shorter 2040m distance.
| 9. Saint George (6) J: Blake Shinn 59kg 11202 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Most recently 2nd of 18 in the G1 Caulfield Cup on October 17 over 2400m, 0.5 len behind Kingswood carrying 53.5kg at $10. The race before that eased back early on 10th of 13 in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m, on rain affected going; 11 len behind Cosmic Crusader with 55kg at $13. Doubt he’s good enough. | |||
Aeliana looks one of the key chances after an excellent autumn campaign that included wins in the Ranvet Stakes and Tancred Stakes. She’s already proven she can perform over testing distances and has the class to handle a race of this calibre.
Her third in the Turnbull Stakes was a respectable effort, and she should be suited by another run over 2040m. Barrier 10 isn’t ideal, but James McDonald should be able to work out a plan. She’s got plenty in her favour and looks a serious contender for the win.
| 10. Aeliana (10) J: James McDonald 57kg 1×023 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Racing well recently. Last start 3rd of 13 in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at this track on October 3 over 2000m, on a wet track; 2.75 len behind Cosmic Crusader with 57kg at $3.80. The start before that 2nd in a small field in the G2 7 Stakes at Randwick on September 19 over 1600m, 1.3 len behind Autumn Glow carrying 57kg at $21. Building beautifully, will be charging home. | |||
Warwoven has been the standout young horse of the spring, following his Golden Rose success with an impressive win in the Caulfield Guineas. He’s clearly got plenty of talent and could still have more improvement to come.
This is a different challenge against older horses over a longer trip, so stamina will be the big talking point. His 49.5kg weight and barrier 2 are both major positives, and he should get every chance to settle comfortably. If he handles the distance, he’s got the ability to make a real statement.
| 11. Warwoven (2) J: Rachel King 49.5kg x5111 T: Bjorn Baker | |||
| Form hard to fault. Most recently favourite; came from midfield and won by 1.75 len in the G1 Caulfield Guineas on October 10 over 1600m defeating Blind Raise with 57kg at $2.40. The run before that favourite; won by 3 len in the G1 Golden Rose Stakes at Rosehill on September 26 over 1400m defeating St Gotthard with 56.5kg at $6. Very talented 3yo, draws perfectly, this is the acid test. | |||
Blind Raise earned his place in the field with a good second behind Warwoven in the Caulfield Guineas. He stuck on well in that race and showed enough to suggest he’s worth taking seriously.
His odds have drifted, but he’s a winning threat.
| 12. Blind Raise (9) J: Jamie Melham 49.5kg 9×112 T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | |||
| Racing well recently. Last start held ground to the line 2nd of 11 in the G1 Caulfield Guineas on October 10 over 1600m, 1.75 len behind Warwoven carrying 57kg at $3.10. The start before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 2.75 len in the G3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude on September 19 over 1400m defeating Tornado Valley with 57kg at $2.40. Very brave in the Guineas, wouldn’t surprise if he measured right up. | |||