Moonee Valley Race 9 – 17:00 AEDT
OPEN
2040m
$5,000,000
Good 4
Rail true entire circuit
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Weight (kg) | Barrier | Current Price |
| 1. Benbatl | Saeed Bin Suroor | Oisin Murphy | 59.0 | 3 | $9.00 |
| 2. Humidor | Darren Weir | Damian Lane | 59.0 | 7 | $14.00 |
| 3. Kings Will Dream | Darren Weir | John Allen | 59.0 | 4 | $21.00 |
| 4. Avilius | James Cummings | Glyn Schofield | 59.0 | 1 | $17.00 |
| 5. D’argento | Chris Waller | Kerrin McEvoy | 57.5 | 2 | $29.00 |
| 6. Winx | Chris Waller | Hugh Bowman | 57.0 | 6 | $1.25 |
| 7. Rostropovish | A P O’Brien | Ryan Moore | 56.0 | 8 | $29.00 |
| 8. Savvy Coop | M & M Pitman | Chris Johnson | 55.5 | 5 | $29.00 |
*Odds correct as of 12pm Wednesday 24 October 2018
All eyes will be on Winx as she steps out aiming to become the first horse in history to win the Cox Plate on four occasions. She’ll also be looking to add to her win streak of 28, including 21 Group 1 wins. She’ll have seven competitors for the 2018 Cox Plate including a handful of international raiders.
The Cox Plate is one of Australia’s most anticipated races throughout the year and is regarded as the best weight for age race in Australia. Notable winners of the race include; Phar Lap, Makybe Diva, So You Think and Kingston Town.
Runner by Runner Preview
- BENBATL ($9.00)
Looks to be the main danger to Winx after scoring a strong win first up in the Caulfield Stakes over 2000m. Should improve off that run and could very well control the race out in front from barrier 3.
- HUMIDOR ($14.00)
Last year’s runner up in this race, where he was finishing strongly and really pushed Winx right to the line. Has been solid this prep, but arguably not going as good as last year. Has a terrific record over the trip.
- KINGS WILL DREAM ($21.00)
Comes back in trip here after running plainly for 6th in the Caulfield Cup over 2400m last start. The horse definitely has a lot of talent and can run well here. Blinkers go on.
- AVILIUS ($17.00)
Little bit strange that we see Avilius attack this race after bypassing the Caulfield Cup in preparation for the Melbourne Cup, but nonetheless the five-year-old has shown a likening for winning staying races, which was displayed when he won the 2500m Bart Cummings last start. Might find this a touch sharp though.
- D’ARGENTO ($29.00)
Was nosed out by Hartnell two back in the Epsom when he looked like he was going to storm home. Then went to the Caulfield Stakes and put in a disappointing run by his merits – although barrier 11 didn’t help. Will be fitter at his 2nd 2000m run and can improve here.
- WINX ($1.25)
The mighty mare is going for a record fourth straight Cox Plate and looks all but set to take the cake, barring unfortunate circumstances. Was really tested last start due to a horrid tempo and horrible running position, but still pulled out her customary sprint to finish over the top of them. Sit back and enjoy this one.
- ROSTROPOVICH ($29.00)
Gun trainer Aidan O’Brien brings this horse over from Ireland and amazingly only exits quarantine on the day of the race. It’s unlikely he will be ready for this race and this looks to be more of a hit out for the Melbourne Cup.
- SAVVY COOP ($29.00)
Enters this race as the lone New Zealand raider in the field. Coming off a strong 2 length last start victory in Hastings, NZ. Very unlikely to challenge Winx, but will be interesting to see how the form stacks up and could be one for the placings.
Race Selection
- WINX ($1.25)
Impossible to tip against Winx here, and you might upset a lot of people if you do so as the nation will be watching on in awe to see whether the wonder mare can make it 4-in-a-row. Her win last start was freakish from a hopeless position and she looks set to do it all again this year.
BlueBet has a cracking offer for punters on the Races 1-6 at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate Day. Log in to the website to find out more.
