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The 102nd running of Australasia’s best weight for age race, the Cox Plate on Saturday, will see Moonee Valley host one of the most intriguing fields assembled in recent memory.
Victory at the tightest turning metropolitan track in the land will see the winner of ‘the greatest two minutes in sport’ etch themselves into immortality in one of the world’s most classic races.
With one of the most prestigious winners list in Australian history – PHAR LAP (1930/31), TULLOCH (1960), KINGSTON TOWN (1980/81/82), SO YOU THINK (2009/10) and of course WINX (2015/16/17/18), the Cox Plate has seen international raiders emerge over the past decade with ADELAIDE (2014), LYS GRACIEUX (2019) and ROMANTIC WARRIOR (2023) all winning in recent years.
COX PLATE – 2040m
7 of the last 10 winners have been Favourites
8 of the last 10 winners have drawn Barrier 1 – 7
10 of the last 10 winners have had a SP of $8 or lower
5 of the last 8 winners used the Turnbull or Caulfield Stakes as a lead up race
James McDonald is looking to become first jockey since Hugh Bowman to win 3 consecutive Cox Plates – ANAMOE (2022), ROMANTIC WARRIOR (2023)
The last Japanese horse to win the Cox Plate – LYS GRACIEUX (2019) – was first up after 125 days
The last 3YO to win was SHAMUS AWARD (2013). He was also the last winner who was double digit odds in the market ($21).
Tip Via The Stats:
7. VIA SISTINA $4.80 – 2u
· Barrier 4; SP less than $8; Turnbull used as a lead up; Jockey – McDonald
2. PROGNOSIS $3 – 1u
· Favourite; Barrier 5; SP less than $8; First up after 70 days
Nic Ashman Tip:
Meanwhile, in Sydney the feature will be a 3YO contest where the winner could emerge as a Victoria Derby prospect.
SPRING CHAMPION STAKES – 2000m
The racing returns to Royal Randwick this weekend with the Group 1 for the three year old stayers – the Spring Champion Stakes over 2000m at set weights – providing a Sydney avenue for those looking to head south in a week’s time and challenge for a middle to long distance event at Flemington.
With the race first running in 1971 (and in the Spring since 1978), the race provides a platform for young horses looking for more success during Melbourne Cup Week with previous winners challenging the Victorian Derby – IT’S A DUNDEEL (2012) and SMART ‘N’ SHARP (2022) and MONTEFILIA (2020) challenging for the Oaks on Ladies Day.
SPRING CHAMPION STAKES STATS
· 7 of the last 10 winners have been Favourites
· 10 of the last 10 winners have drawn Barriers 1 – 9
· The last horse to win from Barrier 10 or higher – HOTEL GRAND (2006).
· 7 of the last 10 winners have worn Saddlecloths 1 – 4
· 6 of the last 10 winners have used the Gloaming Stakes as a lead up race
· Filles record in the race: 3 wins; 4 seconds; 3 thirds; 31 unplaced
Tip Via The Stats:
1. EL CASTELLO $4 – 2u
· Barrier 8; Saddlecloth 1; Gloaming Stakes winner
Nic Ashman Tip:
EL CASTELLO beat his main rivals in the lead-up race, Gloaming Stakes, and maps to settle in front of them again. His sectionals suggest he will appreciate 2000m and possibly beyond.
After nailing DUKE DE SESSA at $34 in Futures markets, WORKS BURGER members are well in front this spring
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