Chris Waller has thrown his stable’s weight behind the 2025 Cox Plate, nominating a remarkable 30 horses for the $6 million showpiece — including reigning champion Via Sistina.
In total, 108 horses have been entered for this year’s renewal at Moonee Valley, with Waller’s contingent accounting for almost 28 per cent of the field. Among his headline acts are the elite four-year-olds Aeliana, Autumn Glow, and Lady Shenandoah, all of whom are expected to be major players during the spring.
Waller, who is eyeing a sixth Cox Plate triumph, faces competition from fellow Group 1 trainers. Ciaron Maher has lodged seven nominations, while the training partnerships of Bjorn Baker and Annabel & Rob Archibald have six each.
From the northern hemisphere, Ireland’s Aidan O’Brien has four horses among the nominees — Bedtime Story, Diego Velazquez, Mount Kilimanjaro, and recent Nassau Stakes heroine Whirl. His son Joseph O’Brien has also entered two contenders in Al Riff and Galen.
Adding international intrigue is Cosmo Kuranda, a Japanese-bred runner by Al Ain out of Caulfield Cup winner Southern Speed, who will represent the Shizuya Kato yard.
This year’s nominations mark a notable decline from the 137 received at this stage in 2024, making it a smaller pool for the final Cox Plate before major redevelopment begins at The Valley.
Among the 22 three-year-olds entered are standout juveniles Vinrock, winner of the Sires’ Produce Stakes, and Nepotism, who claimed victory in the Champagne Stakes.
Bettors looking to get involved early in the 2025 Cox Plate can find futures markets and exclusive offers on leading Australian betting sites.
