Cox Plate 2017: Who the celebrities and our experts are tipping at Moonee Valley
CHAMPION mare Winx is the standout pick for the Cox Plate, but who else is a chance? See who some familiar faces, and our News Corp racing crew, are picking on the day.
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CHAMPION mare Winx is the standout pick for the Cox Plate, but who will run the minors? Our News Corp racing crew nail their trifectas for the big race.
Nathan Brown
Race 4 No.4 Trekking ($4)
Classy colt who has been competitive against some of the best of his age group. Looks well placed in this.
Race 8 No.2 Lucky Hussler
He was far from lucky at his last start at Caulfield where he was blocked for a run. He’s crying out for 1600m.
Bruce McAvaney
Race 10, No. 9 Aloisia ($2.60)
Dominant win in the Thousand Guineas. Can confirm Oaks favouritism by beating the boys here.
Race 7, No.8 Touch of Mink ($13)
A maiden in a Group 2 not usually a wise combo, however was taken with her effort last start in Sydney and represents great value in a tough race.
Daniel Harford
Race 2 No.2 Badajoz ($3.40)
Cummings magic working a treat on this guy. Will box seat from the draw (barrier 2) and explode on the turn. Wins!
Race 3 No.3 Indian Thunder ($14)
Missed start in Blue Sapphire but reckon has plenty left in the tank. Weir factor and watch for a big improvement.
Ricky Ponting
Race 3 No.4 Trekking ($4)
Love the fact he’s been freshened for this after two really good runs in Sydney. Drawn to be on speed and win for James Cummings.
Race 10 No.3 Salsamor ($10)
Has hit the line really well in his last two runs over a mile. Extra 400m is a huge plus and will be storming home.
Greg Miles
Race 6 No.1 Big Duke ($2.10)
Good stayer from top stable (Weir) and in form. Well placed at set weights after easily beating most of these rivals in the St Leger in Sydney last start.
Race 7, No.2 Banish ($5.50)
Came from the rear, defying the day’s pattern, to win impressively at Cranbourne. Extra distance a big bonus.
Shane Crawford
Race 5, No.1 French Emotion ($11)
Chris Waller can get off to a great start before Winx and this mare second-up is a great chance at decent odds.
Race 6, No.7 Cismontane ($13)
Reckon S. Baster might have this Gai Waterhouse horse leading with 200m to go and might just pinch the race.
Matt Hill
Race 7 No.5 Speedway ($5.50)
James Cummings filly unlucky over 2000m at Caulfield last start when fifth and won at the 1600m two starts back.
Race 6 No.7 Cismontaine
I’m with Crawf on this one — on the improve and could just pinch it from the hot pot Big Duke.
Sam Groth
Race 4 No.8 Demerara ($2.25)
Three from three after last-start win at Rosehill, will look for the lead and has a drop in weight (4.5kg).
Race 3 No.9 Eptimum ($12)
Won last start at Bendigo in quick time making it two on the trot and is still on the up — big chance!
Adam Hamilton
Race 5 No.5 Invincibella ($2.70)
Building superbly. Two good wins so far this campaign and this doesn’t look much harder. Also has the Waller factor.
Race 10 No.5 Vin De Dance (9.50)
Emerging young Kiwi stayer. Loved how he knuckled down late at first Aussie run and sure to be improved.
Libby Hopwood
Race 2 No.2 Badajoz ($3.40)
Chasing a hat trick of wins and never far away. Beautifully ridden to land the prize at Caulfield and really liked the way he attacked the post.
Race 8 No.4 Religify ($4.80)
Tough old campaigner who kicked off this prep well last start at Caulfield. Little tougher here but honest and usually shows up second-up. Drawn to run them ragged.
Jaimee Rogers
Race 6 No.1 Big Duke ($2.10)
I like the way he has been building the preparation. Strong win at Randwick last start over key rivals. Will win on his way to the Melbourne Cup.
Race 4 No.3 Roomooz ($12)
Can’t ignore her run last time at the Valley, beating Tulip. Don’t think 1400m suited last start and with four weeks between runs, shows as great EW value.
Sam Hyland
Race 8 No.1 It’s Somewhat ($5)
Super pilot (Kerrin McEvoy) on board and a Group 1 winner at this trip — has also drawn a good gate.
Race 4, No.7 Sanadaat ($7)
Freshened up after Caulfield 1400m run, good speed in this race so should have a sweet run to finish off well over the 1200m.
Jon Anderson
Race 9 No.5 Folkswood
UK rider taking on Winx after Cranbourne Cup win — back him to win at around $5 in a market that doesn’t include the great mare.
Race 8 No.2 Lucky Hussler ($7)
With some serious speed in the race, I like him to be getting home hard late for Blake Shinn and Darren Weir.
Ross Stevenson
Race 1 No.7 Faroe ($7)
My reasoning is sound in that it was tipped to me by someone who knows far more about racing. First-starter trained by Tony McEvoy.
Race 8 No.10 Wyndspelle ($11)
Have loved his past three runs since coming from NZ and as such can’t work out why he’s being quoted at $11.
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THE DRAW: WINX IN PERFECT SPOT FOR TITLE DEFENCE
GLENN McFARLANE, DANNY RUSSELL AND GILBERT GARDINER TALK WINX AND THE COX PLATE SUPPORT CAST IN THE SNEAKY CHANCE PODCAST
PLATE VERDICT: DISLIKES AND LIKES AND TIPS
GILBERT GARDINER (Herald Sun)
1. WINX
2. Folkswood
3. Gailo Chop
Last place: Kaspersky
LAUREN WOOD (Herald Sun)
1. WINX
2. Gailo Chop
3. Humidor
Last place: Seaburge
RAY THOMAS (Daily Telegraph)
1. WINX
2. Happy Clapper
3. Royal Symphony
Last place: Hardham
BRAD DAVIDSON (Daily Telegraph)
1. WINX
2. Happy Clapper
3. Royal Symphony
Last place: Seaburge
CHRIS VERNUCCIO (Superracing)
1. WINX
2. Gailo Chop
3. Folkswood
Last place: Kaspersky
LINCOLN MOORE (The Advertiser)
1. WINX
2. Royal Symphony
3. Gailo Chop
Last place: Kaspersky
BEN SCADDEN (The Advertiser)
1. WINX
2. Folkswood
3. Happy Clapper
Last place: Seaburge
STEPHEN ZAMMIT (Daily Telegraph)
1. WINX
2. Humidor
3. Happy Clapper
Last place: Hardham
JOHN DAVIS (Daily Telegraph)
1. WINX
2. Happy Clapper
3. Gailo Chop
Last place: Seaburge
SHAYNE O’CASS (Sportsman)
1. WINX
2. Happy Clapper
3. Royal Symphony
Last place: Kaspersky
SIMON MOY (Superracing)
1. WINX
2. Gailo Chop
3. Royal Symphony
Last place: Kaspersky
DARREN PRENDERGAST (Superracing)
1. WINX
2. Happy Clapper
3. Folkswood
Last place: Seaburge
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