For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
The countdown is on to this afternoon’s 2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m) and all signs point towards one of the most fascinating editions of Australia’s premier weight-for-age race in recent memory.
For the first time in its 106-year history, the time-honoured classic will be run at Flemington Racecourse as Moonee Valley undergoes redevelopment, creating a completely different challenge for the 12-horse Cox Plate 2026 field looking to join an honour roll featuring champions like Winx, Kingston Town, Sunline, Makybe Diva, Northerly, Phar Lap and most recently dual winner Via Sistina.
With Saturday’s $6 million feature scheduled for 5:10pm AEDT as Flemington Race 8, punters are facing a wide-open betting affair headlined by market elects Sir Delius, Aeliana, Ceolwulf, and exciting three-year-old Warwoven.
Ladbrokes Cox Plate Final Field & Barriers
Flemington R8 – Ladbrokes Cox Plate (G1)
FinalRace time:
Entrant
Last 6
Sex
Barrier
Weight
1. CeolwulfJ: Chad Schofield T: Joseph Pride
x52322
G
3
59kg
2. Light Infantry ManJ: Harry Coffey T: Ciaron Maher
15×482
G
11
59kg
3. Sir DeliusJ: Craig Williams T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
While the race retains its famous 2040m distance, the move from Moonee Valley’s tight-turning circuit to Flemington’s spacious layout is expected to significantly change the shape of the race.
The short run into the first bend that traditionally defines the Cox Plate has disappeared. Instead, runners will enjoy a much longer run before the field settles, reducing the importance of barriers and potentially favouring horses capable of sustaining long runs rather than producing a sharp sprint.
Form analysts know punters need to approach this year’s race differently.
With the more spacious Flemington track expected to create a very different tactical contest, the sweeping layout gives jockeys more time to find their positions and build momentum, reducing the pressure of the early stages and allowing a wider range of runners to settle comfortably. The broader track and longer straight should also provide more horses with the opportunity to produce their best, making luck in running less influential and placing a greater emphasis on stamina, race tempo and sustained finishing power.
With expected speed from Land Legend, Light Infantry Man, and potentially Blind Raise, the race looks set to be run at a genuine tempo, which could suit swoopers and midfield runners more than traditional leaders.
Sir Delius Gets His Grand Final
Long-time favourite Sir Delius remains the horse many punters believe has been specifically trained to peak in Saturday’s Cox Plate.
While it’s been a tight race at the top of the markets for favouritism, Sir Delius remains the current top elect at $4.40 in Cox Plate 2026 betting at race sponsor Ladbrokes.
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained star has enjoyed two measured lead-up runs and strikes his preferred third-up stage from a dream barrier five draw.
Waterhouse was pleased with what she saw during trackwork week.
“He’s very fit and he handled it very well, he’s a happy, happy horse,” she told the media.
The six-year-old’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes victory earlier this year remains arguably the strongest piece of form in the race and history is also on his side, having won both previous Australian third-up assignments.
The only question punters continue to ask is whether he can finally turn the tables on Aeliana, who holds a 3-1 advantage over him in recent head-to-head meetings.
Flemington R8 – Ladbrokes Cox Plate (G1)
FinalRace time:
6th
3. Sir Delius (5)
J: Craig Williams 59kg
31×44T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
4.80WIN
1.90PLACE
For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.ladbrokes.com.au/racing. Data retrieved: 24/10/2026 05:17:11 PM (Australia/Brisbane)
No trainer has owned the Cox Plate in modern times like Chris Waller, and the master trainer is just one victory away from equalling the legendary TJ Smith’s all-time record of seven wins.
Already successful with Winx four times and Via Sistina twice, Waller believes Aeliana is ready to add her name to the list.
“Everyone wants to win a Cox Plate. It’s the weight-for-age champion race of Australia,” he said.
“It’s just theatre. It’s just two minutes of pure adrenaline.”
The mare enters her grand final fourth-up after steadily building through the spring and gets the services of James McDonald, who is chasing an incredible fifth straight Cox Plate victory.
McDonald was bullish despite drawing gate 10.
“The preparation has all been aimed around Saturday,” he said.
“The draw makes things a bit sticky but I’d much rather 10 at Flemington than I would have at Moonee Valley.”
“With Land Legend and Light Infantry Man setting a strong tempo my job will be to just blend her into the race at the right time.”
If successful, McDonald would extend one of the most extraordinary records in modern Australian racing.
Can Warwoven Defy the Older Horses?
Three-year-olds always generate intrigue in the Cox Plate and this year’s headline youngster is undoubtedly Warwoven.
The Bjorn Baker-trained colt arrives chasing a fourth straight victory after dominant wins in both the Golden Rose and Caulfield Guineas, and he receives a huge weight advantage carrying just 49.5kg.
Baker acknowledges the challenge.
“It’s a tough race, no doubt about it,” the trainer said.
“The 2040m is another big jump, but he has got a really good base, and he is fit and well.”
Warwoven has drawn perfectly in barrier two and will enjoy every opportunity to settle close enough under Rachel King.
If his mile form translates to 2040m, he could become one of the spring’s genuine superstars.
Caulfield Guineas | Warwoven
Warwoven EXPLODES! They don't win the Guineas as well as that very often ????
Few horses are racing more consistently than Ceolwulf, who comes through elite Sydney form after seconds behind both Autumn Glow and God’s Window this campaign.
Trainer Joseph Pride has always believed the Cox Plate would become the ideal target if conditions aligned.
“He didn’t have a tough run, he seems to have pulled up real well,” Pride said.
“Perfect. We wanted an inside-ish draw to just limit the work he has got to.”
The Champions Mile winner returns to the scene of his biggest victory and should enjoy a perfect run from barrier three.
The major query remains whether 2000m against elite weight-for-age opposition is his absolute sweet spot.
A thrilling finish ???
A measured ride sees CEOLWULF surge late to capture the Lexus Champions Mile by a nose.
His stablemate Saint George also adds intrigue after passing Friday’s veterinary inspections and backing up from a brave runner-up finish in last week’s Caulfield Cup.
??Caulfield Cup 2026 @Caulfield#CaulfieldCup Caulfield – Turf – Grade 1 – Handicap – 3 Years Old and Upwards – 2400m – 18 Run – 6.545.000 Au$
? ?Kingswood (h6) ?John Allen ?Saint George ?Enfjaar
— French and International Horse Racing (@Vincenzo0612) October 17, 2026
Meanwhile, Light Infantry Man remains a knockout chance according to jockey Harry Coffey.
“He’s a tough horse,” Maher said.
“I suppose he is a little bit underrated.”
Records On the Line
Saturday’s race isn’t just about the trophy.
A victory for Chris Waller would equal TJ Smith’s long-standing record of seven Cox Plates.
A victory for James McDonald would see him become the first jockey to ride five consecutive Cox Plate winners.
And for the winner itself, immortality awaits in a race long regarded as the ultimate test of a middle-distance thoroughbred.
Races.com.au Late Mail Cox Plate 2026 Verdict
This year’s Cox Plate looks set to be run at a genuinely strong tempo, which should provide every horse their chance on Flemington’s spacious circuit.
Sir Delius remains the horse to beat from the ideal barrier and proven third-up profile, while Aeliana looks perfectly set to peak fourth-up under James McDonald. Ceolwulf should get all the favours from barrier three, and Warwoven has the class and weight advantage to test the older horses.
For value hunters, Birdman appeals as the forgotten runner from barrier one and looks over the odds if he reproduces his Underwood Stakes performance.
Races.com.au Cox Plate 2026 Selections
1. Sir Delius 2. Aeliana 3. Warwoven 4. Birdman
Whether it’s Sir Delius delivering on his long-range mission, Aeliana helping Waller make history, or Warwoven announcing himself as Australia’s next superstar, the first-ever Flemington edition of the 2026 Cox Plate promises to add another unforgettable chapter to one of racing’s greatest races.
