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Saturday sees history made with the 106th edition of the Australasian weight-for-age classic taking to the Flemington track for the time-honoured Group 1 $6 million Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m), and we’ve broken down the official 12-horse field summing up every runner’s Cox Plate winning claims in just two words. Whether you’re sticking with the hot favourite from a prime draw, siding with one of the talented three-year-olds, or hunting value in the exotic markets, this quick-fire guide will help you get those Cox Plate bets placed this weekend!
Read on for the Races.com.au team’s exclusive two-word 2026 Cox Plate form guide.
The 2026 Cox Plate promises to be one of the most fascinating editions in the race’s storied history, with the iconic weight-for-age championship heading to Flemington for the first time while Moonee Valley undergoes redevelopment.
The field of 12 runners boasts a combined 22 Group 1 victories, setting the stage for a mouth-watering clash between proven stars, emerging three-year-olds, and seasoned spring campaigners.
Bjorn Baker’s Caulfield Guineas winning colt Warwoven has firmed into $4.20 favouritism in the latest Cox Plate 2026 odds at Ladbrokes with Sir Delius now on the second line of betting out to $4.60 despite his favourable gate five draw.
Add into the mix Chris Waller’s star mare Aeliana who continues to attract strong support as the champion trainer chases another Cox Plate triumph, the in-form Sydney visitor Ceolwulf, Underwood Stakes champ Birdman, Turnbull Stakes hero Cosmic Crusader, and an intriguing quartet from Ciaron Maher’s powerhouse stable, and punters are spoiled for choice in what shapes as an open and tactical affair.
To help separate the genuine Cox Plate contenders from the pretenders, below we’ve boiled down every runner’s winning prospects into just two words!
1. CEOLWULF (3) – Flemington Flash
Back to the scene of his Champions Mile win and perfectly drawn to stalk the speed.
| 1. Ceolwulf (3) J: Chad Schofield 59kg 52322 T: Joseph Pride | |||
| Form hard to fault. Last start 2nd in a small field in the G1 King Charles Iii Stakes at Randwick on October 17 over 1609m, slow going 2.25 len behind Autumn Glow carrying 59kg at $4.80. The race before that 2nd of 16 in the G1 Epsom Handicap at Randwick on October 3 over 1600m, on a slow track; 1.75 len behind God’s Window with 59kg at $9.50. | |||
2. LIGHT INFANTRY MAN (11) – Battle Hardened
The Australian Cup winner rarely runs a bad race and will keep coming all the way to the line.
3. SIR DELIUS (5) – Knight’s Claim
The longtime favourite has the ideal draw, the right profile, and a Cox Plate victory firmly in sight.
4. ATTRITION (4) – Forgotten Force
Easy to overlook at big odds, but arrives off a confidence-boosting lead-up victory.
5. COSMIC CRUSADER (8) – Star Chaser
The Turnbull winner backs up from the Caulfield Cup chasing a spring carnival breakthrough.
6. BIRDMAN (1) – Winged Threat
The Underwood Stakes winner gets every chance from the coveted inside alley.
7. LAND LEGEND (12) – Legend Calling
The giant-killer shocked them in the Might And Power and now looks to write another chapter.
8. MIDDLE EARTH (7) – Unexpected Journey
The outsider heads into uncharted territory looking to produce a fantasy upset.
9. SAINT GEORGE (6) – Dragon Hearted
Fresh off a brave Caulfield Cup placing, the Maher galloper is all courage and grit.
10. AELIANA (10) – Queen’s Quest
The classy mare and James McDonald chase Cox Plate glory for King Waller.
11. WARWOVEN (2) – Weightless Wonder
The talented colt gets every favour at the weights in his bid to upset the older stars.
12. BLIND RAISE (9) – Eyes Open
The rising three-year-old has already announced himself and another big performance beckons.
