Hartnell's odds slashed to win Cox Plate 2016

Confirmation Hartnell will run in the Cox Plate has seen his odds slashed

After destroying the field in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes last weekend, Godolphin has confirmed Melbourne Cup favourite Hartnell will run in the Cox Plate, setting up a showdown with star mare Winx.

Hartnell confirmed as a starter for Cox Plate, shortens from $3.50 into $3.20.
Winx remains $2.00 favourite.

Online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au has today wound Hartnell in from $3.50 to $3.20 for the Cox Plate.

Winx remains the $2.00 favourite and has attracted around 60% of the early money. Hartnell is the second best backed runner in the field having attracted around 10% of the money.

Confirmation that Hartnell will run has seen Black Heart Bart, the third best backed runner, drift from $11 to $13, joining Lucia Valentina ($13) on the third line of betting.

Hartnell continues to head Sportsbet’s Melbourne Cup market, shortening from $6.00 into $5.00 yesterday, from Bondi Beach ($12), Almandin ($13) and Jameka ($13).

“Hartnell was the standout over 2000m to win the Turnbull but will need to step up to another level against the superstar Winx in the Cox Plate,” said sportsbet.com.au’s Ben Bulmer.

“While Hartnell has attracted plenty of support from punters, the majority of the early money is backing Winx with the $2.00 on offer pretty hard to pass up for the star mare.”

Markets courtesy of sportsbet.com.au

Cox Plate 2016

$2.00 Winx (steady)

$3.20 Hartnell (in from $3.50)

$13 Lucia Valentina (steady)

$13 Black Heart Bart (out from $11)

$15 The United States (steady)

$15 Hauraki (steady)

$17 Vadamos (steady)

$26 Tosen Stardom (steady)

$26 Palentino (steady)

$34 Happy Clapper (steady)