Cox Plate
The Cox Plate is one of the most prestigious races on the Australian racing calendar. Held annually at Moonee Valley Racecourse over 2040m, it is the premier weight for age race in Australia and always attracts the biggest names domestically, and often includes some international spice. The race has a long list of illustrious names and stories associated with its running, most recently being Winx and her stand alone record of 4 straight.
From a punting perspective, it’s always hard to know who will put their name forward this early in the season however we’ve highlighted one at a price who is a serious racehorse.
Futures Market Overview
1. Incentivise
With the help of Peter Moody, Incentivise was one of the stars of the 2021 Racing Year, taking out three consecutive Group 1’s in the Makybe Diva, the Turnbull and the Caulfield Cup before lugging 57kg in the Melbourne Cup to finish 2nd behind a wonder-mare in Verry Ellegant. It will be interesting to see what path he takes to this year’s Cup but if he nominates for a Cox Plate, he will no doubt be competitive.
2. Zaaki
A well-favoured $2.80 favourite heading into the 2021 Cox Plate, only to be scratched on the morning of the race, it was heartbreak for Annabel Neesham and the connections of Zaaki. He was airborne heading into last year’s edition and some were calling him a moral to win. With another good prep this year, redemption will be on the minds of the Zaaki team.
3. Verry Ellegant
What more needs to be said about this mare? She’s conquered almost everything there is in Australian racing, except this. She was a galant 3rd in last years Cox Plate, finding herself too deep on the final Moonee Valley corner to make up any ground. She then went on to win the Melbourne Cup convincingly. Tough, classy and adaptable, if she goes around in this year’s Cox Plate she’ll have plenty of backers.
4. Anamoe
Arguably should’ve won last year’s Cox Plate in his 3 year-old season, only to have a protest controversially dismissed as he was knocked about in the final 200m by winner State of Rest. Coming back this year, he has put in some nice performances and no doubt the Godolphin stable will have big plans for this colt, presumably including another crack at the 2022 Cox Plate.
TIP
Think It Over ($21)
The son of three-time Cox Plate winner So You Think, has really come into his own in recent years and is a model of consistency at weight for age level. Could another successful Autumn prompt trainer Kerry Parker to consider a trip to Melbourne later in the Spring? We’ve never seen him in a Victorian way of running but all signs suggest he would be very competitive.
