The Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) headlines Saturday’s meeting at Flemington, with an open betting market setting the scene for a competitive edition of Australasia’s premier weight-for-age race.
Below is our speed map, runner-by-runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2026 Cox Plate.
2026 Cox Plate Runner Preview:
1. Ceolwulf: He has won at 2000m, he has placed in the Derby…but for me, I think he’s an electric miler, and a brutal 2000m here…I reckon he’s going to struggle at the trip. I’m against him.
2. Light Infantry Man: Proven big time performer who loves the Flemington 2000m and will be out of trouble on speed. Knockout chance at a big price.
3. Sir Delius: I think you’d be a fool to dismiss Sir Delius. To be fair, he has looked one paced in both runs back, and would be THE perfect Melbourne Cup horse (we know why he won’t be). But the Turnbull run was full of merit, chasing the speed and on testing ground, he just couldn’t pick up. All eyes have been on this race, he’s a definite threat and can definitely win this.
4. Attrition: He ran fourth in the Cox Plate last year and is a last start winner. Underestimated, he’ll be honest…just think he lacks the killer blow at this level.
5. Cosmic Crusader: You have to go back a fair way in history I’d imagine to see a horse go into the Cox Plate seventh up. He was given a 12/10 in the Caulfield Cup and just didn’t run the trip. Back to 2000m…dangerous if he has petrol in the tank.
6. Birdman: Birdman shouldn’t be dismissed. He was flat in the Might And Power but I just don’t think handled the brutal tempo and was found wanting late. Prior efforts were very good and if he brings his best, he is dangerous at odds.
7. Land Legend: No idea what to make of the Might And Power. Outstanding from the front, yes, pattern was in his corner. But even allowing for that, he was impressive. I think he’ll lead and run a bold race.
8. Middle Earth: Sneaky good in the Caulfield Cup and is ticking along beautifully for the Melbourne Cup.
9. Saint George: Opportunity missed last Saturday I feel. Not sure he runs 3200m, and not sure back to 2000m at WFA is his go. Happy to be against.
10. Aeliana: I am with Aeliana. I think she’s on track and has been set for this race. She was a definite pass mark in the Turnbull I thought, trying hard from off speed but on testing ground, she wasn’t sharp/fit enough late behind Cosmic Crusader. Waller in a Grand Final, Flemington, hard fit…she’ll do me.
11. Warwoven: He’s either had his Grand Final/s, or he wins this and sits alongside Autumn Glow and Tempted as the best horse in Australia. Caulfield Guineas win was arrogant and got better as the race went on. He’ll run super.
12. Blind Raise: Game as ever in the Caulfield Guineas but was nabbed/held late, and just not 100% sold on him running 2000m.
2026 Cox Plate $100 Betting Strategy:
$100 Win Aeliana
Group 1 Strategy Outlay: $2100
Group 1 Strategy Return: $1144
2026 Cox Plate Speed Map
Land Legend broke the track record when winning the Might And Power from the front, so I dare say he takes it up. Stablemate Light Infantry Man will be on speed as well, and the tempo will be quite strong.
Cox Plate Field
| No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ceolwulf | Joseph Pride | Chad Schofield | TBA | 59kg |
| 2 | Light Infantry Man | Ciaron Maher | Harry Coffey | TBA | 59kg |
| 3 | Sir Delius | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Craig Williams | TBA | 59kg |
| 4 | Attrition | Mitchell Freedman | Jamie Mott | TBA | 59kg |
| 5 | Cosmic Crusader | Andrea Leek | William Pike | TBA | 59kg |
| 6 | Birdman | Chris Waller | Ben Melham | TBA | 59kg |
| 7 | Land Legend | Ciaron Maher | Ethan Brown | TBA | 59kg |
| 8 | Middle Earth | Ciaron Maher | Mark Zahra | TBA | 59kg |
| 9 | Saint George | Ciaron Maher | Blake Shinn | TBA | 59kg |
| 10 | Aeliana | Chris Waller | James McDonald | TBA | 57kg |
| 11 | Warwoven | Bjorn Baker | Rachel King | TBA | 49.5kg |
| 12 | Blind Raise | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | Jamie Melham | TBA | 49.5kg |
