The best two minutes in sport is the Cox Plate (2040m) and the 2025 edition this Saturday shapes up to be an absolute belter.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2025 Cox Plate.
2025 Cox Plate Runner Preview:
1. Light Infantry Man: On face value, he is going awful. But, does he sit outside Globe, or get complete control if Globe isn’t running? He was dominant when on speed in the Northerly and can control the race. His best is good enough to be dangerous.
2. Antino: He had the flashing light on him in the Turnbull given the work he did and it took Sir Delius to beat him. Half Yours won the Caulfield Cup to frank the form, he can press forward as well. Definite contender.
3. Attrition: Something has to make up the numbers…he is the one that is IMO even though he was really good in the Hill Stakes.
4. Buckaroo: Race shape was clearly not to his liking in the Might And Power so while on face value he was plain, he had a clear excuse. He’ll be strong late, big race rider on and Waller in a big race…commands respect I say.
5. Globe: SCR
6. Via Sistina: Via Sistina is a gun mare…but is she at her best? Not sure. She did win the Winx first up, but her two runs since, she has raced well, but not at the level we know she can reach. Was the Cox Plate win last year an outlier? Not sure, but she has runs on the board and Waller in a Grand Final…has to be given serious respect.
7. Treasurethe Moment: If she was mine, she would have been freshened up for the Empire Rose. Might And Power run confirmed that 1600m+ at the top level, she’s not quite as effective compared to shorter trips. Love her, but keen to oppose.
8. Aeliana: Aeliana should have run in the Caulfield Cup IMO. She has been racing very well but for mine has been racing like a stayer, so for her fans, she will want this Cox Plate to be truly run. She was good in the Turnbull after hitting the flat spot and love the booking of Hugh Bowman. She’ll run very well.
9. Nepotism: Nepotism is the horse I am warming to as a knockout chance. Shinn was only hands/heels in the Caulfield Guineas, if that. It was a barrier trial. I’d love to see Zac get him out of the gates and sit on speed because IMO, the only chance a 3YO has in the Cox Plate is if they settle forward. If he does, he’ll run a beauty.
2025 Cox Plate $100 Betting Strategy:
$100 Win Via Sistina Tote/SP
Group 1 Strategy Outlay: $1900
Group 1 Strategy Return: $1301
Cox Plate Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LIGHT INFANTRY MAN (FR) | Ciaron Maher | Ethan Brown | 9 | 59kg |
| 2 | ANTINO (NZ) | Tony Gollan | Blake Shinn | 6 | 59kg |
| 3 | ATTRITION | Mitchell Freedman | Craig Williams | 2 | 59kg |
| 4 | BUCKAROO (GB) | Chris Waller | Mark Zahra | 4 | 59kg |
| 6 | VIA SISTINA (IRE) | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 5 | 57kg |
| 7 | TREASURETHE MOMENT | Matt Laurie | Damian Lane | 1 | 55.5kg |
| 8 | AELIANA (NZ) | Chris Waller | Hugh Bowman | 8 | 55.5kg |
| 9 | NEPOTISM | Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes | Zac Lloyd | 3 | 49.5kg |
