Heartbreak or Glory? The stage is set for the 2025 Cox Plate, but one top contender is teetering on the brink. The final field and barrier draw are in for the 105th running of the AU$6 million Group 1 WS Cox Plate, Australasia's weight-for-age championship, at Moonee Valley this Saturday. This year's edition promises drama both on and off the track! Get ready for a thrilling showdown over 2040 meters.
But here's where it gets bittersweet... This year marks the very last Cox Plate to be held at the iconic Moonee Valley Racecourse before its major redevelopment. In 2026, the race will temporarily relocate to Flemington Racecourse, before making its triumphant return to a revamped Moonee Valley in 2027. It's the end of an era, and the start of a new one!
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A field of nine horses will compete for the coveted title this year. The lineup consists of a diverse group: four seasoned seven-year-old geldings, a powerful six-year-old entire, a resilient eight-year-old mare, two promising four-year-old mares, and a potentially record-breaking three-year-old colt. And this is the part most people miss... Every single runner in this year's field is a Group 1 winner! That's a testament to the high caliber of competition we're about to witness, including last year's champion, Via Sistina, ready to defend her title.
Speaking of drama... Top trainer Mick Price dropped a bombshell at Tuesday morning's Breakfast with the Best trackwork session, revealing that his runner, Globe, is facing a potential injury. A final decision on Globe's participation will be made on Saturday morning, leaving fans and punters in suspense. Will the Underwood Stakes winner make it to the starting gate? Only time will tell.
Prior to the barrier draw, Via Sistina was the clear favorite at $2, followed by Antino ($3.50), Aeliana ($6), Treasurethe Moment ($8), and the potentially sidelined Globe ($11). The barrier draw can dramatically shift these odds, so let's take a look at how the horses will line up.
Here's the official field for the 2025 WS Cox Plate, scheduled for 5:40 PM:
No. 1 - LIGHT INFANTRY MAN (FR)
- Trainer: Ciaron Maher
- Jockey: Ethan Brown
- Barrier: 9
- Weight: 59kg
No. 2 - ANTINO (NZ)
- Trainer: Tony Gollan
- Jockey: Blake Shinn
- Barrier: 6
- Weight: 59kg
No. 3 - ATTRITION (AUS)
- Trainer: Mitchell Freedman
- Jockey: To Be Announced (TBA)
- Barrier: 2
- Weight: 59kg
No. 4 - BUCKAROO (GB)
See AlsoFierceness: The Champion Thoroughbred's Journey | From Breeders' Cup to Record-Breaking Wins- Trainer: Chris Waller
- Jockey: Mark Zahra
- Barrier: 4
- Weight: 59kg
No. 5 - GLOBE (NZ)
- Trainer: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr)
- Jockey: Ben Melham
- Barrier: 7
- Weight: 59kg
No. 6 - VIA SISTINA (IRE)
- Trainer: Chris Waller
- Jockey: James McDonald
- Barrier: 5
- Weight: 57kg
No. 7 - TREASURETHE MOMENT (AUS)
- Trainer: Matt Laurie
- Jockey: Damian Lane
- Barrier: 1
- Weight: 55.5kg
No. 8 - AELIANA (NZ)
- Trainer: Chris Waller
- Jockey: Hugh Bowman
- Barrier: 8
- Weight: 55.5kg
No. 9 - NEPOTISM (AUS)
- Trainer: Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes
- Jockey: Zac Lloyd
- Barrier: 3
- Weight: 49.5kg
Track Conditions & Weather Forecast:
At the time of acceptance, the Moonee Valley track was rated a Good (4). The rail will be in the true position on Saturday.
Here's the latest Melbourne weather forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology:
- Tuesday: Mostly cloudy (70% chance of 0-4mm of rain). High of 20°C.
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy (95% chance of 3-15mm of rain). High of 24°C.
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy. High of 17°C.
- Friday: Mostly cloudy. High of 18°C.
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy (80% chance of 0-6mm of rain). High of 22°C.
A wet track could significantly impact the race. Some horses thrive in the slop, while others prefer a firm surface. Keep an eye on the weather as race day approaches!
Controversy & Comment Hooks:
The Cox Plate is more than just a race; it's a battle of strategy, skill, and luck. The barrier draw can make or break a horse's chances, and the weather adds another layer of unpredictability. Some argue that horses with inside barriers have a distinct advantage, while others believe that a skilled jockey can overcome a poor draw. What do you think? Does the barrier draw significantly impact the outcome of the Cox Plate? And given Globe's injury scare, do you think Mick Price should risk running him, or scratch him to avoid further injury? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
