Track: Good Weather: Fine

Twelve runners have accepted for the 2023 Cox Plate and what an interesting race it is with plenty of different form lines and betting angles.  The Hong Kong champ Romantic Warrior has been favourite for this race for months and is holding his spot at the top of the market despite a somewhat underwhelming run in the Turnbull Stakes.  He will have James McDonald in the saddle who won the race last year on Anamoe.

The peoples horse Alligator Blood is second pick.  He silenced the distance critics (including yours truly) with a strong win over 2000m in the Caulfield Stakes last start.  Mr Brightside has two Group 1 wins to his name this prep and maps for a soft run from barrier two.  Gold Trip was awesome winning the Turnbull and a very good third under the top weight in last weeks Caulfield Cup. Fangirl ran a new peak last start winning the King Charles but can she run 2000m?  Militarize is the pick of the three year olds while Victoria Road for Aiden O’Brien is an unknown quantity on these shores.

1. Romantic Warrior

The Hong Kong superstar.  Brings elite Group 1 form from Hong Kong, has the right barrier and the best jockey in the country James McDonald aboard.  What to do with him off his first up run in the Turnbull is the big question here.  If he spikes then he is probably your winner.

2. Zaaki

Rising nine year old but still racing really well.  Was third in the Winx first up, then runner up in the 7 Stakes last time.  Forgotten horse?

3. Mr Brightside

Gun miler who has won five of his last six.  Was seventh in this race last year but I think he’s almost certainly a better horse now.  The distance is still a query for mine however if the breaks come his way he has to be some chance.

4. Alligator Blood

Modern marvel who added another Group 1 to the Trophy Cabinet last time out in the Caulfield Stakes.  Looks the likely leader with Tim Clark in the saddle and might take some getting past.

5. Gold Trip

Last years Melbourne Cup winner.  Was luckless in this race last year and a great run in last weeks Caulfield Cup under the 58.5kg.  Blinkers go back on so does Zahra and he draws well.  Strong each way chance.

6. My Oberon

Was third at Randwick last start behind Mr Brightside and Fangirl.  Rough place chance at best.

7. Pinstriped

Has drawn poorly and is not good enough.

8. Fangirl

Was well supported late to beat Mr Brightside last start and absolutely blew him away.  Unbelievable win.  Can she repeat that effort now at 2000m?  Should get her chance with a good track and Z Purton in the saddle.

9. Duais

Has got a long way back and ran home hard in her last two runs.  Potentially settles a pair or two closer from barrier 1.  Fairy tale finish for Damian Oliver?

10. Victoria Road

European three year old trained by the master Aiden O’Brien.  Was a Group 1 winner in the USA last November.  Ratings suggest he needs to run a clear new peak to be winning here but that’s not to say he can’t.  He’s got the right trainer, rider and barrier.

11. Militarize

Is already a duel Group 1 winner this prep.  There are differing opinions on his run in the Guineas last start when a heavily supported favourite.  I thought he ran on pretty well from a hopeless spot.  He just needs to find a way to get out of the barriers here and settle in the first six to give himself a chance.

12. King Colorado

Was an impressive JJ Atkins winner at Eagle Farm in June.  Started favourite in the Golden Rose, then was wide in the Guineas and stuck on pretty well there for fourth.  I think might be looking for 2000m but his chances revolve around the start.  If they can get him out of the gates and settling in the first four he may offer a site at big odds. Best roughie in the race?

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Lewis Oliver’s Tips	Jo Jackson’s Tips
5 Gold Trip	4 Alligator Blood
1 Romantic Warrior	3 Mr Brightside
8 Fangirl	1 Romantic Warrior
12 King Colorado	8 Fangirl

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	1 Romantic Warrior
2nd	3 Mr Brightside	0.1 length
3rd	4 Alligator Blood	0.3 length
4th	9 Duais	1.3 lengths

The track was rated as Good 3.

There were no scratchings.