Champion jockey James McDonald believes Cox Plate winner Via Sistina would run the two-mile Melbourne Cup journey

James McDonald has endorsed Via Sistina’s Melbourne Cup credentials ahead of trainer Chris Waller making a final decision on the Cox Plate winner’s next start.

Champion jockey James McDonald is convinced Cox Plate winner Via Sistina will run a strong 3200m if she is given her chance in the $8m Melbourne Cup (3200m) next Tuesday.

Via Sistina is among the 35 horses included after the third declaration stage for the Melbourne Cup but trainer Chris Waller said no decision has been made about whether the mare will run in the famous Flemington two-miler.

The options for Via Sistina include the Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on November 9 and a possible overseas trip for the Hong Kong International Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin in December.

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Via Sistina romped away with the Cox Plate by eight lengths in course record time and has firmed into $4.50 favourite for the Melbourne Cup where she has been allocated 56kg.

McDonald believes Via Sistina will stay the 3200m and compares the mare favourably with Verry Elleegant, the Waller-trained mare he rode to win the 2021 Melbourne Cup after she had finished third in the Cox Plate.

“I think Via Sistina would get the trip,’’ said McDonald, who would be left without a Cup ride if the mare does not contest the race.

“I don’t want to say she would get it easily but I do think she will run it out. She is aerobically very, very strong.

“Verry Elleegant won with Cup with 57kg and Via Sistina feels every bit as strong as Verry Elleegant over 2000m.’’

James McDonald lets out a roar returning to scale on Via Sistina after Saturday’s Cox Plate romp Picture: Dave Geraghty/Racing Photos via Getty Images

McDonald made the surprising admission that he has ridden more “explosive” winners than Via Sistina’s runaway Cox Plate effort.

“Via Sistina was very good but it was funny, I know it was spectacular to look at, but during the race she gave me a normal feel if that makes sense,’’ McDonald said.

“She is not a mare that can quicken off the toss of a coin, she just keeps building.

“I’ve ridden more explosive horses like Fangirl in the King Charles last year, she just let rip that day.

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“With Via Sistina I didn’t expect to be seven lengths in front turning for home. The pace was brutal and the others felt the pinch a lot earlier than they would normally.’’

McDonald was unusually emotional after Via Sistina provided the jockey with his 100th career Group 1 win in the Cox Plate.

The superstar rider conceded the focus on his opportunity to bring up his century of majors had been getting to him after some near misses in the previous three weeks.

“As much as you don’t think it is playing on your mind, it is even though 100 is just a number,’’ McDonald said.

James McDonald high in the irons as Via Sistina crosses the winning line for her record breaking Cox Plate victory Picture: Kelly Defina

“It has not been smooth sailing before the Cox Plate. Autumn Glow went amiss (Flight Stakes eve), Broadsiding didn’t win (Caulfield Guinea) and then Fangirl ran unplaced (King Charles III Stakes).

“They were the three I expected to salute on and it didn’t happen but we’ve got the 100 Group 1 wins now, it doesn’t have to be built up anymore.’’

McDonald said he is looking forward to Cup Week at Flemington where his Group 1 rides on Saturday are King Of Thunder (Victoria Derby), Switzerland (Coolmore Stud Stakes) and Atishu (Empire Rose Stakes).

Originally published as Champion jockey James McDonald believes Cox Plate winner Via Sistina would run the two-mile Melbourne Cup journey