Joseph Pride’s ultra-consistent gelding rarely runs a bad race and returns to the track where he won the Champions Mile last spring. His recent Sydney form around Autumn Glow and God’s Window reads exceptionally well, and the rise to 2000m looks ideal after strong mile performances in the King Charles III Stakes and Epsom Handicap. Drawn perfectly in barrier three, Chad Schofield should enjoy a dream run before unleashing late. If the race is run genuinely, Ceolwulf will be one of the strongest closers in the field and looms as a genuine winning chance at a great price.

The Australian Cup winner has been there and done it at the elite level and comes into the Cox Plate off a brave runner-up finish in the Turnbull Stakes. The wide draw isn’t ideal, but the likely leader loves rolling along in front and has proven Flemington form. Alongside stablemate Land Legend, he should ensure a genuine tempo, and if he gets into a rhythm up front, he could take plenty of catching. A tough old warhorse who will give punters a sight.

The horse they all have to beat of the Cox Plate betting markets at Ladbrokes are anything to go by. Sir Delius has been set specifically for the Cox Plate all preparation and his two lead-up fourths have been exactly what connections would have wanted. His Queen Elizabeth Stakes win in autumn remains arguably the best single piece of form in the field, and he gets conditions to suit third-up on dry ground from the coveted barrier five. Craig Williams should enjoy the run of the race stalking the speed, and if Sir Delius reproduces his peak, he looks every bit a deserving favourite.

Potentially one of the more overlooked runners in the race despite arriving off a confidence-boosting Group 2 Hill Stakes victory. He was also a solid third behind Birdman in the Underwood earlier this campaign and benefits from a soft draw in barrier four. The concern is whether he possesses the class and acceleration of the market leaders, but if the race turns into a grinding staying test, he’s capable of exceeding market expectations.

The Turnbull Stakes winner continues to improve and wasn’t disgraced when finishing a close fourth in the Caulfield Cup last weekend. His Turnbull victory at Flemington over 2000m is a massive tick for this assignment and suggests he can handle the unique conditions of this year’s Cox Plate. William Pike takes the ride and if the quick back-up doesn’t flatten him, Cosmic Crusader has the form to be right in the finish again.

The forgotten horse of the race and perhaps the best value in the market. Birdman was devastating winning the Underwood Stakes before a tough third behind Land Legend in the Might And Power. Now he gets every conceivable favour from barrier one with Ben Melham likely to settle just behind the speed and save ground throughout. Chris Waller knows how to prepare a Cox Plate winner, and if Birdman recaptures his Underwood form, he can absolutely feature in the finish.

The most intriguing runner in the field after causing a massive upset in the Might And Power Stakes at track-record pace. Connections stunned punters by selecting barrier 12 at the unique barrier draw, signalling their intent to roll forward and take luck out of the equation. The outside draw has not produced a Cox Plate winner in more than 25 years, but Flemington’s spacious layout may lessen that disadvantage. If he’s allowed to dictate terms again, another shock result isn’t out of the question.

The rank outsider of the field and likely looking for longer distances this spring. His Caulfield Cup and Turnbull efforts suggest this level may be a stretch, although he does draw one of the historically strongest Cox Plate barriers. John Allen knows what it takes to win this race after partnering State Of Rest to victory in 2021, but Middle Earth would need one of the biggest boilovers in recent Cox Plate history.

No horse enters off a braver run than Saint George, who was outstanding in defeat when runner-up in last week’s Caulfield Cup. The Maher-trained stayer is flying and gets blinkers applied for the first time, but the drop back to 2040m may not be ideal. Still, confidence is high in the stable and his toughness alone ensures he can’t be completely dismissed.

Chris Waller’s headline act and the mare many punters believe can deliver him another Cox Plate trophy. Aeliana has been building beautifully this preparation, highlighted by her excellent Turnbull Stakes third behind Cosmic Crusader at Flemington. James McDonald, who has won the past four Cox Plates, takes the ride and will likely allow her to settle before unleashing her trademark finish. The wide draw adds some complexity, but her class is undeniable and she remains one of the major winning hopes.

The exciting three-year-old attempting to become the first locally trained colt to win the Cox Plate in over a decade. His Golden Rose and Caulfield Guineas victories have been exceptional, and he gets into this race carrying just 49.5kg under the weight-for-age scale. Barrier two gives Rachel King the perfect opportunity to settle close enough without doing any work. The question is whether he can match motors with seasoned WFA performers at 2040m, but if he’s as good as many think he is, this could be his crowning moment.

Don’t underestimate this tough three-year-old. Blind Raise wasn’t suited by the race shape in the Caulfield Guineas yet still stuck on strongly to finish runner-up behind Warwoven after winning the Guineas Prelude impressively. Jamie Melham has spoken glowingly about his chances and believes his latest run was enormous. He maps to get a nice trail from barrier nine and receives the same luxury weight as Warwoven. At double-figure odds, he’s one of the more appealing knockout hopes in the race.