Preview – Gr 1 Cox Plate

The experts at the Valley during the week who watched this Hong Kong superstar, said he worked like the champion he is reported to be. Which means he should improve on his game 4th to Gold Trip in the Gr 1 Turnbull over 2000m at his Aussie debut. The form from that race has stood up with the first two home also placing in last week’s Gr 1 Caulfield Cup. Watch betting but also have in your numbers.

What a great, accomplished old horse he is. Just keeps fronting up in these Gr 1 races and running lights out. Will be on pace like he always is but probably settles off Alligator Blood who looks the pilot. Is very fit and last start when 2nd at Randwick over a mile in the 7 Stakes he beat Fangirl home. Must be considered.

Superstar who is super consistent. And he loves this track. Seems to be even better here. Only time in 4 starts here that he hasn’t won was in last year’s Cox Plate when he was shuffled back to last mid stages, and had to come home hard and failed to catch the winner Anamoe by just 2 lengths. Now, he is about 2 lengths better these days and is super, super fit. Looks the one they all have to beat.

Is in spectacular form and looks the leader here. Dispelled any thoughts re this journey anyone had when he brilliantly won the Caulfield Stakes over 2000m last time out in very fast time. Is so fit and will be in front as they turn which makes him a threat.

On the quick back up from his really game 3rd with top weight in the 2400m Gr 1 Caulfield Cup last week. That followed a stunning Gr 1 2000m win where he strode past Romantic Warrior. Is brilliant and likes it damp. But coming back 400m is a little concern.

Tough campaigned who ran lights out when 3rd after being on speed to Fangirl in the Gr 1 King Charles over a mile last start. This is harder and never seems to win but will be thereabouts.

Gifted galloper with a big heart too. Won the 1600m Gr 2 Feehan 2 runs back but just missed a place at Gr 1 level last start when 5th in the Toorak. Has not won or even raced at this trip. In his favour though is the fact he’s won 2 from 2 this track.

Sydney superstar mare who loves a firm track and showed that last start when easily beating Mr Brightside in the $5million King Charles over a mile. Is brilliant, however, has never raced at this track and has never won this trip. If you look past those vital stats, she wins. BUT… they are vital stats.

Really good mare who has twice won at Gr 1 level and goes well this trip. Can work on good and soft tracks and has been placed at past 2 starts both at Gr 1 level behind Alligator Blood. This is harder, however.

These lightly raced Irish horses with Group 1 form who come here run really well generally. This bloke won over a mile in the US this time last year at Gr 1 level. Two runs since, in France and Ireland, have been solid. I do think the locals are very good quality this year and he might struggle the last 100m.

Given no chance when a furlong behind the pace last start coming to the home bend in Gr 1 Caulfield Guineas over a mile. Did make up a lot of ground late to grab 5th behind Griff, but really, you wouldn’t back Griff in this. Does grow a leg when it is wet and has no weight to deal with. Can place.

Good 3YO with finishing power. Just beat Militarize home when 4th in the Gr 1 Caulfield Guineas last start. This is harder but looks like the trip is no concern.