There are nine of the season’s best weight-for-age hopefuls in the mix to face off at Moonee Valley Racecourse on Saturday in the second three of the ‘Big 3’ spring majors – the Group 1 $5 million Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m) – and below we have a look at the arguments for and against every runner in the field as they gear up for the classic.

With a quality line-up of horses to do the Cox Plate form on it can seem overwhelming to go through all of their lead-up performances, track / distance stats, the stables, staying pedigree, and more to sort the best gallopers to get behind in the latest edition of the ‘Race Where Legends are Made.’

We have Japanese-trained favourite on debut down under as Prognosis looks to become the latest international Cox Plate champion and the second in as many years.

The talented Via Sistina is drawn a treat in gate four in the 2024 Cox Plate field while fellow mare Pride Of Jenni jumps from barrier seven looking for her fourth Group 1 success on the quick back-up.

Godolphin’s Golden Rose winning colt Broadsiding is also being kept safe in the Cox Plate betting markets at race sponsor Ladbrokes.com.au plus there is a bunch of outsiders in the Cox Plate odds that could just come out and dominate!

So, let’s get into it so you can head over to Ladbrokes.com.au and lock in your Cox Plate tips!

1. Mr Brightside (2)

• Odds*: $8 (at time of publish) – BET NOW
• Pros: Craig Williams rides the seven-time Group 1 winner, drawn well and proven at The Valley. Two-time Cox Plate performer and last year’s 2nd was very brave. Has been as consistent as ever this prep with a host of top 2 Group 1 runs including his Makybe Diva win. Winkers on and trackwork ace.
• Cons: Has had two goes, hasn’t been able to get there and is aging now. Yet to win over further than a mile. Faces a few who have beaten him recently.

2. Prognosis (5)

• Odds*: $3.40 (at time of publish) – BET NOW
• Pros: Great international form lines. Japanese are already proven in this race and the raiders took it out last year with Romantic Warrior who this horse ran second to in a Group 1 back in April narrowly denied. Gets options from gate five, Damian Lane who won on Lys Gracieux rides, and 2000m record is undeniable (11:5-2-1). Flies fresh.
• Cons: Needs to handle the tight turns at the course, beaten odds-on elect last time out. Cannot be slow out here. Yet to win a Group 1.

3. Kovalica (9)

• Odds*: $26 (at time of publish) – BET NOW
• Pros: Waller-trained and fourth-up and fit. Hill Stakes second last time out over 1900m was close.
• Cons: Not sure the Sydney form lines are the ones to follow into the Cox Plate. Wider drawn. Has never had a Melbourne start let alone one at The Valley. Hasn’t won since his QLD Derby victory 18 months ago. Not going well enough to beat these rivals.

4. Royal Patronage (3)

• Odds*: $26 (at time of publish) – BET NOW
• Pros: Waterhouse/Bott import who has been trying hard around this level in Sydney. Comes off three straight thirds in the 7 Stakes, Epsom and Hill Stakes. Drawn well in gate three for Michael Dee.
• Cons: Late inclusion into the race so might not have been set for it. Yet to win over further than 1700m. Might have lost confidence after the string of frustrating minors. Hasn’t been to Melbourne or Moonee Valley. Couldn’t win the Hill Stakes and this is tougher.

5. Docklands (1)

• Odds*: $19 (at time of publish) – BET NOW
• Pros: Rails draw for the Harry Eustace-trained UK visitor. Group 1 placed at Royal Ascot back in June.
• Cons: Well-beaten last start at York. Hasn’t won over further that 1609. Yet to win first-up. Doesn’t rate well.

6. Pride Of Jenni (7)

• Odds*: $5 (at time of publish) – BET NOW
• Pros: Ace mare with a genuine chance at another Group 1. Beat Mr Brightside by 1.5 lengths in the Feehan before a King Charles III Stakes second last weekend. Quick back-up suits. Beat Via Sistina by 6.5 lengths over this distance in Sydney’s Queen Elizabeth in the autumn. Peaking now. Will lead.
• Cons: Sydney form might not stack-up. Could be run down late if there’s a challenge for the front.

7. Via Sistina (4)

• Odds*: $5 (at time of publish) – BET NOW
• Pros: If she runs she’s right as Waller won’t take any chances. Multiple Group 1 winner for the four-time winning trainer. Group 1 Turnbull winner at Flemington last time out impressively. Barrier four and James McDonald. Great record at the distance (11:5-4-0).
• Cons: Tuesday’s mishap is worth remembering. Was 6.5 lengths beaten over this distance by Pride Of Jenni in the autumn. Yet to race at The Valley (her three laps without J Mac on Tuesday aside!).

8. Broadsiding (8)

• Odds*: $6 (at time of publish) – BET NOW
• Pros: Three-year-olds have a good Cox Plate record and he’s from the powerhouse Godolphin stable. Three-time Group 1 winner who was on fire last time in. Golden Rose win fresh and Caulfield Guineas fourth as the beaten odds-on favourite last start not without merit after suffering interference. 49.5kg will see him flying in Anamoe like fashion.
• Cons: Yet to win over further than a mile and needs to rise to the WFA requirement here against some seasoned older rivals. Wider drawn.

9. Evaporate (6)

• Odds*: $20 (at time of publish) – BET NOW
• Pros: Forgotten runner flying under the radar for Team Hayes. Loves The Valley and is three-from-three at the track. Lightly raced but putting a good record together. Won the Stutt Stakes here with 57kg over 1600m in September. Third in the Caulfield Guineas caught the eye.
• Cons: Karis Teetan one of the less experienced riders here. Really needs to step up notably in class to challenge.

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*All Cox Plate Cup odds quoted are provided by Ladbrokes.com.au, correct at time of publication and subject to change without notice.