Spring Racing podcast: Nathan Exelby looks at the Cox Plate invaders

PODCAST: Racing editor Nathan Exelby runs his expert eye over a Cox Plate field full of international challengers.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 15: Michael Walker riding Criterion as the sun rises above the horizon during a trackwork session at Moonee Valley Racecourse on October 15, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images) ***BESTPIX***

THE Cox Plate is recognised as the greatest weight-for-age race in the Southern Hemisphere and is now attracting horses from all parts of the globe.

Saturday’s race features the presence of three internationals runners — Arod, Highland Reel and Gailo Chop.

Highland Reel is being compared favourably to last year’s winner Adelaide, which won the same race in the US and had the same trainer and jockey.

Arod put together Group wins in Europe before running second to outstanding miler Solow at his latest outing.

Gailo Chop runs for the same team that raced Melbourne Cup runner-up Bauer, which includes former international cricket star Simon O’Donnell.

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Michael Walker riding Criterion as the sun rises above the trackwork session at Moonee Valley.

Can the locals fend off the invaders?

The Courier-Mail racing editor Nathan Exelby runs his eye over the Cox Plate field and gives his opinion on where the locals stand.

Tonight at Moonee Valley, the Manikato Stakes will be run.

Can Queensland idol Buffering add another unlikely Group 1 win to his amazing record?

Originally published as Spring Racing podcast: Nathan Exelby looks at the Cox Plate invaders