Every Cox Plate runner's chances: Sparring partners meet again in $5m epic
Cox Plate 2024 guide
It's regarded as one of Australia's best races and this year's edition of the $5 million Cox Plate will be no different.
Featuring some of the best middle-distance runners from here and abroad, the race that the mighty mare Winx won on four-straight occasions is expected to live up to the hype once again in 2024.
Pride Of Jenni's unusual tactics, Mr Brightside's undeniable popularity and the unknown of Japanese runner Prognosis will have racing fans on the edge of their seat at Moonee Valley and across the country in the 2040m Group 1 event.
Wide World Of Sports takes a look at every runner in this year's Cox Plate.
1. Mr Brightside (2)
Age: 7yo gelding
Trainer: Ben, Will & JD Hayes
Jockey: Craig Williams
Career: 38 starts, 17 wins, 12 placings
Odds: $8
The most popular horse in the race and has been there or thereabouts in every start this prep, including a win in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes last month. Was beaten by the barest of margins in this race last year and looks primed to go close once again with Craig Williams on board.
2. Prognosis (5)
Age: 7yo gelding
Trainer: Mitsumasa Nakauchida
Jockey: Damian Lane
Career: 15 starts, 7 wins, 5 placings
Odds: $3.60
Looks set to start favourite in his first start on Australian soil. Has been a standout in Japan and Sha Tin, consistently featuring in group-level races. Has been brought over here to do a job and there's a great chance the gelding can get it done.
3. Kovalica (9)
Age: 5yo gelding
Trainer: Chris Waller
Jockey: Mark Zahra
Career: 23 starts, 6 wins, 6 placings
Odds: $26
One of the lesser-favoured runners from a betting perspective but has plenty of quality and is racing solidly into form this prep. Finished a narrow second last start and was gallant in defeat in the Group 1 Epsom earlier this month. Should be fit to fire in this race.
4. Royal Patronage (3)
Age: 6yo stallion
Trainer: G Waterhouse & A Bott
Jockey: Michael Dee
Career: 20 starts, 5 wins, 5 placings
Odds: $34
Has raced four times this prep and has been in the mix every time, including a place in the Epsom. Could certainly factor into the finish at the Valley.
5. Docklands (1)
Age: 5yo stallion
Trainer: Harry Eustace
Jockey: Blake Shinn
Career: 12 starts, 3 wins, 7 placings
Odds: $19
Consistent performer overseas but will be having its first start in Australia. Has raced at Group 1 level in the UK but was 11.5 lengths off the winner last time out.
6. Pride Of Jenni (7)
Age: 7yo mare
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Jockey: Declan Bates
Career: 33 starts, 8 wins, 12 placings
Odds: $4.20
We all know what to expect whenever this mare is in action - shoot to the front and hold on for dear life. Produced one of the most remarkable wins in recent memory in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes earlier this year and has been in tremendous form this preparation. Comes into the Cox Plate off a quick back-up after finishing a narrow second in Sydney last weekend. Among the betting favourites and for good reason.
7. Via Sistina (4)
Age: 7yo mare
Trainer: Chris Waller
Jockey: James McDonald
Career: 18 starts, 8 wins, 6 placings
Odds: $4.60
In-form horse with two Group 1 victories under her belt so far this prep and looks to be among the genuine chances. However, a major hiccup earlier in the week where she dislodged jockey James McDonald and ran three laps of the course has the champion mare in doubt to take on the 2040m trip at the Valley.
8. Broadsiding (8)
Age: 3yo colt
Trainer: James Cummings
Jockey: Jamie Kah
Career: 9 starts, 5 wins, 2 placings
Odds: $6
Would need to defy recent history as a three-year-old to win this race, but has been in strong form throughout the spring. Will need to rise to the occasion against a quality field but has plenty of talent. Jump into distance could be a factor too but Godolphin runners are never far away from the finish and James Cummings wouldn't have pushed for this spot for no reason.
9. Evaporate (6)
Age: 3yo gelding
Trainer: Ben, Will & JD Hayes
Jockey: Karis Teetan
Career: 9 starts, 4 wins, 3 placings
Odds: $21
Was strong in defeat at Group 1 level last start in the Caulfield Guineas, but rises in class here. Will have an overseas jockey in the saddle and looms as somewhat of a wildcard in this time-honoured event.
