The WS Cox Plate will be run at 5.40pm at the Moonee Valley Racecourse in Moonee Ponds.
There are 14 runners in the famous 2040m event.
Fairfax Media racing reporter Chris Roots rates the field.
SACRED FALLS
Dual Doncaster winner who can stretch out to 2040 metres here. Impressive during his victory in the George Main Stakes and then was hitting the line the hardest in the Caulfield Stakes for fourth after giving up an impossible start. Will be charging late.
FAWKNER
Last year’s Caulfield Cup winner has been on a mission for this day all spring. Lloyd Williams has never won a Cox Plate and it might be his turn this year. The seven-year-old gelding has had the perfect preparation: a narrow second in the Makybe Diva Stakes then won the Caulfield Stakes. Top hope.
SIDE GLANCE
Back to Australia where he won his group 1, the Mackinnon Stakes, last year. Front-running stayer who will ensure a good tempo, and he keeps finding the line. He fought on well for third after leading in the Caulfield Stakes. Place best.
HAPPY TRAILS
Cox Plate runner-up last year who loves the Valley. He was runner-up in the Underwood Stakes then forced into another run after going around for practice when held up in the Turnbull Stakes. Worked home for fifth without threatening in the Caulfield Stakes. Capable of figuring.
FORETELLER
Underrated weight-for-age performer who is always honest. He ran into fourth in the Cox Plate last year. Won his group 1 this spring in the Underwood Stakes before finishing midfield in the Caulfield Stakes. From the inside draw he could sneak into a place.
THE CLEANER
The feelgood story of the Cox Plate. The Tasmanian seven-year-old comes over on the boat and keeps winning at the Valley. He has won his past four starts at the Valley from the front, including the Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes and JRA Plate over the 2040 metres trip. Will lead and be in front for a long way.
GUEST OF HONOUR
International visitor who may be aiming too high here. He was ridden back against his normal racing pattern in the Toorak Handicap, where he finished midfield. Main European form is at a mile and there is doubt over him at this trip. Prefer others.
CRITERION
Australian Derby winner who seems to be peaking at the right time. Struggled early in his preparation before chasing home subsequent group winner Junoob in the Hill Stakes. Flew home late but just missed in the Caulfield Stakes. Must be respected and worth a ticket on both totes.
SILENT ACHIEVER
The weight-for-age star of the Sydney autumn but has struggled to reproduce it in the spring. Roger James believes she is going as well as she was in the autumn. She gets Nash Rawiller back in the saddle, which is a bonus. Won the Crystal Mile last year at only start on the track. Not the roughest.
ROYAL DESCENT
Is it finally her turn to be bride after being bridesmaid and maid of honour so many times? She has had four runs this time in for four seconds, including in the George Main Stakes, before being beaten by a breath in the Epsom. Will get a good run and will be in the finish.
ADELAIDE
Coolmore glamour four-year-old who is out to give Aidan O’Brien his first Australian winner. Well travelled: won the Secretariat Stakes in Chicago before having no luck when third in the Prix Niel at Longchamp in Paris. Classy and must be included among the main chances.
ALMALAD
He was unbeaten as a two-year-old, winning the J.J. Atkins to finish the season. He hasn’t been as dominant this season but crucially his only win came in the Bill Stutt Stakes at Moonee Valley. Disappointed in the Caulfield Guineas and looks like struggling here.
SWEYNESSE
Classy individual who won his first four starts before being ridden too close when third in the Spring Champion Stakes. He will drop out the back and come with one run, like he did in winning the Spring Stakes and Gloaming Stakes. But probably can only run into the minor money.
WANDJINA
Connections paid $130,000 to gain a start after he flew home for third in the Caulfield Guineas. His only win has been in a midweek maiden but he is capable of running outstanding sectionals and must be considered a knockout hope.
