Today the first declarations for the 2010 Cox Plate were taken with 89 horses still in contention for the $3 million weight-for-age feature due to run at Moonee Valley on October 23.

Originally 186 horses were entered for the 2010 Cox Plate, but less than half have been taken into the next round and are still a chance of making the final field come October.

Connections of Australian Horse of the Year Typhoon Tracy have paid the declaration fee for the brilliant mare, with trainer Gai Waterhouse also continuing on with Cox Plate plans for More Joyous, Once Were Wild, Rock Kingdom, Herculian Prince and Descarado giving Waterhouse a strong assault as she attempts her maiden Cox Plate win.

Early favourite in the Cox Plate betting markets at [sportsbet] before they were suspended to await the declarations, Bart Cummings’ reigning champion So You Think is also still in contention as are stablemates Allez Wonder, Skorost and 2010 Melbourne Cup bound mares Dariana and Faint Perfume.

Other Cox Plate hopefuls dominating the betting include Shoot Out and 2009 Melbourne Cup winner Shocking, both still a top chance after being declared.

First declarations were also taken today for the 2010 Caulfield Guineas, 2010 Thousand Guineas, 2010 Caulfield Cup and the 2010 Melbourne Cup with 151 horses still heading towards the Melbourne Cup narrowing down the horses for all of these major Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival features.

Betting markets will re-open at premier online bookie [sportsbet] shortly so keep an eye on your favourites and get ready to lock in the generous early odds still available!

2010 Tatts Cox Plate First Declarations