Here is my Cox Plate preview.
1. EL SEGUNDO
Winner on this day 2 years ago and could well do it again. Knows this race better than anyone and the stable will have his timing perfect. The only thing that stops me making him a winning chance is his barrier as I think they will be forced to go right back to last, and I think he is much better suited just worse than midfield. For that reason, I'd say he could run a place.
2. ZIPPING
Drawn very well and should've won the race last year if it weren't for the leader getting it all his own way and the jockey getting away with murder. Will get his chance this year with the speed drawn out wide and I think he is tremendous value at $18.
3. VISION AND POWER
Proven weight for age performer but he's not going as well now as he was in the autumn, and he needs to be. I don't think he can win this one.
4. NOM DU JEU
I think he is a stayer rather than a middle-distance performer. Might run a nice race but I doubt he can win.
5. SCENIC SHOT
You just never know with this bloke. He can pull out a bottler or a shocker. For that reason I just cannot put my hard earned on him. That and I think weight-for-age in this class will be a bit too much of a task for him.
6. BLACK PIRANHA
I think his run in the Toorak was one of the best of the day. Not many horses made ground on the day, but this one did, and he had a lot of trouble getting into the clear. Went past plenty of them in the last 100m. Another one who I think is really good value and a great each way bet.
7. SIR SLICK
Can't win but I am glad he is in the race. And I am glad that he has drawn wide. This will ensure a good tempo and every horse will get their chance.
8. ROAD TO ROCK
Won't be beating Black Piranha this time. I doubt he will figure anywhere in the finish, no upto this class.
9. SPEED GIFTED
One you cannot write off, and a must for the quaddie. It'll be interesting to see what they do from the barrier, might even go forward. Hard to say. Either way - put him in the quaddie!!!
10. WHOBEGOTYOU
Unless his name starts with K, and ends with ingston Town, there is no way I can take $2.50 about anything in a Cox Plate. I would even be hesitant to put him in the quaddie to be honest, as I think a few will have his measure here. All the pressure is on him, the gate is not ideal, all signs point to PLACE CHANCE ONLY!!!! You heard it here first icon_thumbs_u
11. HEART OF DREAMS
This horse is going fantastically and is an absolute MUST for all exotics. At the moment I reckon he represents bullet-proof each way value. Ridden upside down last start, they will not make the same mistake from the perfect barrier.
12. ROCK KINGDOM
One of Gai's, and one that has no hope despite winning the Epsom. That was on a bog track and against nothing special, and he won't be winning in this class.
13. MANHATTAN RAIN
Another of Gai's, and another with no hope. Good to have him in the race to ensure the speed but he can't hold on.
14. SO YOU THINK
Good to see him in the field but I doubt he can win. Word is he wobbled a bit the other morning and so many 3yo's over the years have come into this race with better form, yet have failed. I doubt he can win.
THE TIP
A cracker of a race. Make sure you put these in your quaddie - Zipping, Black Piranha, Speed Gifted, Heart of Dreams. Of those 4, if I could only back one of them for the win, I would back Zipping.
Good luck icon_thumbs_u