Cox Plate preview: What you need to know about the 12 starters in the prestigious $5 MILLION Group 1 race at Moonee Valley
Described by many Australian racing fans as the “greatest two minutes in sport”, the WS Cox Plate will be held for the 102nd time on Saturday.
With a whopping $5 million in prize money – including $3 million for the winner – this Group 1 2040m match always attracts a world-class field.
When it comes to picking a winner, standout three-year-old colt Militarize has caught the attention of many bettors, with Alligator Blood and 2022 Melbourne Cup winner Gold Trip also expected to play important roles.
Below is Daily Mail Australia’s runner-by-runner guide to the 2023 Cox Plate.
1. Romantic Warrior (Barrier 7)
A powerful Hong Kong-based artist, a staggering career prize money of $14 million tells the story.
Opportunities: $4
Trainer: Danny Shum
Jockey: James MacDonald
James McDonald will ride Romantic Warrior in the Cox Plate on Saturday evening
2. Zaaki (Barrier 12)
He was always an honest player, but his class on the field could be his undoing.
Opportunities: $19
Trainer: Annabel Neasham
Jockey: Damian Lane
3. Mr. Brightside (Barrier 2)
If he is in the lead on the straight, it will take some time for him to be in the lead. He has four Group 1 winners to his name.
Opportunities: $8
Trainer: Ben, JD and Will Hayes
Jockey: Craig Williams
4. Alligator blood (Barrier 5)
The seven-year-old gelding is the favorite for many bettors and shows an extremely consistent performance. Last start-dominant victory in Group 1 at Caulfield.
Opportunities: $5.50
Trainer: Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott
Jockey: Tim Clark
Tim Clark has the trust of trainers Adrian Bott and Gai Waterhouse to ride Alligator Blood in the Cox Plate
5. Gold Trip (Barrier 8)
Can win this looked electric in the Turnbull Stakes. Also last year’s Melbourne Cup winner.
Opportunities: $8.50
Trainer: Ciaran Maher and David Eustace
Jockey: Mark Zahra
6. My Oberon (Barrier 4)
Favor others, a win will be a big shock given the quality of the opponent.
Opportunities: $51
Trainer: Annabel Neasham
Jockey: Jamie Mott
7. Pinstripe (Barrier 11)
Winner of Group 2 on the same route, but clear progress here.
Opportunities: $61
Trainer: Enver Jusufovic
Jockey: Ben Allen
The Cox Plate always attracts a significant number of players in Mooney Valley (pictured, in 2022)
8. Fangirl (Barrier 9)
Won in impressive fashion last start at Randwick. Chris Waller, another player favorite and champion coach, said she could be a budding superstar.
Opportunities: $9
Trainer: Chris Waller
Jockey: Zac Purton
9. Duais (Barrier 1)
You shouldn’t neglect a quality mare that still gives her best even late. An interior barrier could also be beneficial. Damien Oliver’s last Cox Plate before retiring in December.
Opportunities: $31
Trainer: Ed Cummings
Jockey: Damien Oliver
10. Victoria Rd (Barrier 6)
Very desirable guy from Ireland. Jockey Blake Shinn also knows the “Valley” track like the back of his hand.
Opportunities: $10
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
Jockey: Blake Shinn
Blake Shinn will be tasked with winning the Cox Plate aboard Irish Chance Victoria Road
Apprentice gun jockey Zac Lloyd will be aboard Militarize (left) for the 102nd running of the Cox Plate
11. Militarize (Barrier 3)
Real hope. Discount Guineas ran, had no luck, ran home well.
Opportunities: $7.50
Trainer: Chris Waller
Jockey: Zac Lloyd (Apprentice)
12. King Colorado (Barrier 10)
An exotic opportunity at best. The gun jockey in Michael Dee is a plus.
Opportunities: $21
Trainer: Ciaran Maher and David Eustace
Jockey: Michael Dee
Bet Right CEO Anthony Waller was unable to separate Alligator Blood and New Zealand entrant Mr Brightside and was ridden by the hugely experienced Craig Williams.
“Together they have amassed almost $20 million in career prize money,” he told Daily Mail Australia.
“Both have put on an amazing ride for their respective connections and fans, and I think they will be the two to make this heavyweight title fight.”
Waller’s final selection fell on the promising colt Militarize, who then looks for redemption Caulfield Guineas are unplaced in Group 1.
He pointed to the rising star’s final stretches combined with a significant weight advantage as reasons why bettors should expect a strong performance on Saturday.
Bet on the right selection:
1. Alligator blood
2. Mr. Brightside
3. Militarize