On The Punt: Cox Plate day tips at The Valley for Saturday, October 26

Racenet form analyst Chris Vernuccio gives his top selections at The Valley on Cox Plate day.

ON THE PUNT

BEST BET

OSCAR’S FORTUNE
(R7 No.2 – $3.20)

WA sprinter Oscar’s Fortune was beaten by in-form Bellatrix Star after chasing a strong speed in the Schillaci Stakes. He should improve and is unbeaten second-up. The WA sprinter is yet to win over 1200m in four attempts but he placed third in The Quokka behind last week’s impressive Sydney Stakes winner Overpass and was a close fifth in the Group 1 The Goodwood at the end of last prep, which was his only unplaced run in 11 starts.

NEXT BEST

PROGNOSIS (R9 No.2 - $3.80)

Japanese horses have proven to be a class above our locals. Prognosis is yet to win a Group 1, but he has elite talent and form around last year’s Cox Plate winner Romantic Warrior and it’s only a matter of time before he secures that win. The fast tempo from Pride Of Jenni and a firm track will suit him.

RED ACES (R6 No.2 – $3.30)

Red Aces was scratched at the barriers last week at Caulfield. He looked ready for a big run third-up after a much improved effort last start. He beat favourite Politely Dun earlier this year and should get a map advantage.

THE JOCKEY

DAMIAN LANE

WOLFGANG (R2 No.4 – 12), ENEEZA (R3 No.1 – $11), BRULANTE (R4 No.5 – $15), POLITELY DUN (R6 No.4 – $2.60), OSCAR’S FORTUNE (R7 No.2 – $3.20), LAWS OF INDICES (R8 No.3 – $16), PROGNOSIS (R9 No.2 – $3.60), FIRESTORM (R10 No.6 – $2.70)

Originally published as On The Punt: Cox Plate day tips at The Valley for Saturday, October 26