The Ladbrokes Cox Plate 2026 is shaping up as one of the most anticipated weight-for-age showdowns of the spring, and Races.com.au has you covered with the latest Cox Plate odds, early favourites, form guides and expert tips. Australia’s premier 2040m WFA championship at The Valley always delivers a world-class field, and this year’s edition promises another elite clash featuring proven Group 1 stars, international raiders and rising middle-distance guns. As punters lock onto key lead-up races like the Feehan Stakes, Underwood Stakes and Might & Power Stakes, Cox Plate betting markets are already moving, with major firmers emerging as the spring carnival picture sharpens. Whether you’re chasing early value, tracking market movers or looking for the best Cox Plate tips, Races.com.au is your home for comprehensive coverage of the 2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate.

2026 Cox Plate Results

Stay tuned for the official 2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate results and finishing order when the latest edition of the country’s premier WFA race runs on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at The Valley.

• 1st: TBD
• 2nd: TBD
• 3rd: TBD
• 4th: TBD
• Winning Margin: TBD
• Winning Time: TBD

Ladbrokes Cox Plate Tips

Our exclusive Ladbrokes Cox Plate betting tips will be provided below a few days out from the Group 1 classic. Also head to our dedicated Cox Plate Tips page for more information on who to back and who to sack in the weight-for-age Moonee Valley feature this spring.

Ladbrokes Cox Plate News

Cosmic Crusader Conquers Turnbull Stakes 2026 Results, Firms in Cox Plate Betting

• 2026 Golden Rose Winner Warwoven Firms for Caulfield Guineas Bid
• Birdman Soars to Underwood Stakes Glory, Emerges as Major 2026 Cox Plate Threat
• Golden Eagle Target for 2026 Makybe Diva Stakes Winner Sheza Alibi
• Ladbrokes Cox Plate 2026 First Acceptances Leave No International Raiders
• Via Sistina Wins 2025 Cox Plate in Thrilling Waller Quinella

The Ladbrokes Cox Plate is the premier weight-for-age race in Australia and is known as Australasia’s weight-for-age championship. This Group 1 race is run over 2040m on turf at Moonee Valley Racecourse* in late October each year and is held as part of the illustrious Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.

The 2026 Cox Plate will be held at Flemington Racecourse, marking the first time in history the race will be staged away from its traditional home at Moonee Valley. Moonee Valley Redevelopment: The Valley will be closed for at least 21 months from November 2025 to undergo a major transformation, including track reconfiguration and upgraded facilities.

Worth a record $6 million as of 2025, the race attracts the champion gallopers from across the globe competing for the richest weight-for-age prize in Australia and is the second of the three Spring Majors following the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) the Saturday before.

The Cox Plate is often referred to as “the race where legends are made” and has been won by many turf greats over the years including So You Think (2009-10), historic four-time champion Winx (2015-18) who were the last multiple Cox Plate winners and the brilliant fellow Chris Waller trained mare Via Sistina (2024-25).

Winx joined Kingston Town (1980-82) as the only three-time Cox Plate champion with her narrow victory over Humidor in the 2017 Cox Plate results, which also saw the heroic mare set a race record time set by herself in 2015. She then surpassed Kingston Town with her fourth Cox Plate trophy in 2018 before her retirement.

In 2014 the then Aidan O’Brien-trained Adelaide became the first Northern Hemisphere-trained Cox Plate winner and since then the number of international Cox Plate nominations continues to rise. The 2019 Cox Plate results saw Lys Gracieux from Japan join Adelaide as the only Cox Plate winners trained outside of Australia / New Zealand.

In 2020 Irish expat Sir Dragonet won the Cox Plate first-up down under in his debut for Ciaron Maher & David Eustace.

In 2021 Irish trainer Joseph O’Brien prepared Northern Hemisphere-trained three-year-old State Of Rest for a Cox Plate victory emulating the success of his father from 2014.

In 2022 Anamoe atoned for his devastatingly close second the year before to post a dominant victory for the punters in the Cox Plate results.

The punters were in luck in the 2023 Cox Plate results that saw Hong Kong hero Romantic Warrior narrowly defeat Mr Brightside in an epic finish to the 103rd running of the classic.

Romantic Warrior would go on to frank the Cox Plate form with a dominant Hong Kong campaign that summer winning the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup and Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup at Sha Tin.

The 2024 Cox Plate results saw trainer Chris Waller join Bart Cummings on five Cox Plate victories with an historic eight-length win in a new record time by his class mare Via Sistina.

Via Sistina franked the 2024 Cox Plate form winning the Group 1 Champions Stakes at her next start. She also returned in the autumn of 2025 to add another three elite levels to her CV including a win in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in Sydney.

The 2025 Cox Plate results saw the defending champion, Via Sistina, successfully defend her title in a photo-thriller over stablemate Buckaroo to become the first dual champion since the fellow Waller trained mare Winx.

The WS Cox Plate is one of the most highly bet on and anticipated races in the country. Cox Plate betting is also popular with the punters as it is included in some of the major betting doubles in the Spring Carnival.

Punters often indulge in the Cox Plate – Melbourne Cup double, but only six horses have won achieved the feat with Makybe Diva, Might and Power, Saintly, Nightmarch, Phar Lap and Rising Fast. Rising Fast is an especially notable winner as he is the only horse in history to also have won the Caulfield Cup in the same year, taking out this feature treble in 1954.

The race’s position towards the end of the Spring Carnival means punters have a plethora of trials and lead-up runs to consider the entries’ Cox Plate form and chances of success in the Cox Plate.

There are a range of different events the final Cox Plate field may come via, including three-years-old hopefuls coming out of the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) a fortnight before. Earlier races to watch as an indication for the Cox Plate include the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) in September, the Group 2 John F. Feehan Stakes (1600m) and the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m).

A change of scheduling for the Melbourne Cup Carnival from 2016 saw the race formerly known as the Mackinnon Stakes and run on Victoria Derby Day moved to the first Saturday of November and raced as the new Group 1 Emirates Stakes (2000m) in a bid to attract more Cox Plate graduates. That race has now been moved to the last day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival taking place on the Saturday after the Melbourne Cup and is run as the Champions Stakes.

Via Sistina (2024 & 2025) was the last horse to complete the Cox Plate / Champions Stakes double. 

Randwick Racecourse in Sydney hosts the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) on the same date as Melbourne’s Cox Plate Day.

2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate Betting

Futures Cox Plate betting odds open months in advance of the race offering all-in markets on the potential horses lining up in that year’s Cox Plate field. Cox Plate betting is often dominated by horses that ran well in the previous season’s Cox Plate results.

Our Cox Plate betting page has more information on the many types of bets you can place, including advice on placing a Cox Plate trifecta, a Cox Plate quinella, a Cox Plate exacta, or a Cox Plate First Four bet. We also suggest the best online bookmakers to join for Cox Plate betting.

The latest Cox Plate 2026 betting markets provided by Ladbrokes will be available here at Races.com.au for you to back your Cox Plate tips at the right price.

Anamoe ($2.40 in 2022), Hong Kong raider Romantic Warrior ($3.60 in 2023) and Via Sistina ($2.25 in 2025) for her second victory – all three ridden by jockey James McDonald – are the latest favourites in Cox Plate betting to win.

To get the best odds on the race, you will need to know a little about how the Cox Plate odds are decided. Our Cox Plate odds page gives you the information you need to pick favourites at long prices in the early odds, and it will feature the full Cox Plate odds.

Ladbrokes Cox Plate Field

2026 Cox Plate Form Guide

The Cox Plate form guide is your complete weight-for-age roadmap to Australia’s premier 2040m championship, helping punters identify which elite middle-distance horses are peaking at the right time, which internationals bring genuine Group 1 class, and how each runner maps around Flemington’s long, testing straight in 2026. Because the Cox Plate consistently attracts world-class WFA stars, high-rating internationals and rising Australian talents, the form guide becomes one of the most important tools for punters analysing Cox Plate odds, locking in confident Cox Plate tips, and finding early value before the market tightens.

What the Cox Plate Form Guide Shows:

• Past weight-for-age performances — The Cox Plate is the ultimate WFA test; proven Group 1 performers often rise to the top.
• Middle-distance class — Horses with elite 1600m–2000m form are historically the strongest Cox Plate contenders.
• International ratings — European and Japanese Group 1 figures reveal which raiders bring genuine world-class ability.
• Flemington suitability — The 2026 move to Flemington means punters must assess runners who handle long straights and sustained pressure.
• Race map & tactical speed — The Cox Plate rewards horses who can take a position, absorb pressure and quicken sharply.

What Punters Should Look for on the Cox Plate Form Guide:

• Class edge — Group 1 WFA winners and high-rating internationals often outclass rivals at 2040m.
• Sectional strength — Horses with elite late splits and sustained speed profiles are ideal Cox Plate types.
• Peak fitness vs progression — Some runners peak third-up; others arrive off strong second-up performances.
• Stable plans — Leading stables (Waller, O’Brien, Waterhouse/Bott, Yahagi) often target the Cox Plate months in advance.
• Track pattern & tempo — Flemington can favour strong-building runners depending on rail position and race shape.

2026 COX PLATE FORM GUIDE

One of the best and cheapest tools you can use to improve your betting is a detailed Cox Plate form guide like you would find at an online bookie. Our page on the Cox Plate form guide will help anyone new to punting better understand how to read a form guide.

Key 2026 Cox Plate Dates

• 2026 Cox Plate Nominations: Closed on Tuesday the 4th of August 2026 – 103 early entries 
• 2026 Cox Plate First Acceptances: Closed on Tuesday the 8th of September 2026 – 57 left with no internationals
• 2026 Cox Plate Second Acceptances: Closed on Tuesday the 22nd of September 2026 – 37 second acceptors.
• 2026 Cox Plate Third Acceptances: Close on Tuesday the 6th of October 2026
• 2026 Cox Plate Final Acceptances: Close on Tuesday the 20th of October 2025 at 8:30am (AEDT)

2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate Nominations

Cox Plate 2026 nominations closed on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. 

The 2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate nominations are now out with 103 early entries, down from 108 last year, including 15 internationals with all-in Cox Plate betting led by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott’s triple Group 1 champion Sir Delius.

View the complete list of official Ladbrokes Cox Plate 2026 nominations.

2026 Cox Plate Nominations at a glance: 

• 103 nominations received for the $6 million Ladbrokes Cox Plate, including 15 internationally-trained runners.
• The 2026 Cox Plate will take on a new look at Flemington, replacing its traditional Moonee Valley home.
• International entries include top-class gallopers from Ireland, the UK, France and Japan, featuring powerhouse stables like Aidan O’Brien and Yoshito Yahagi.
• Chris Waller has entered a massive 27 horses, headlined by Aeliana, Autumn Glow and Autumn Boy, as he chases a record-equalling seventh Cox Plate victory.
• James McDonald aims for a fifth straight Cox Plate win, following successes aboard Anamoe (2022), Romantic Warrior (2023) and Via Sistina (2024/25).
• International Group 1 winners among the entries include Gstaad, Almaqam, Hawk Mountain and Hotazhell.
• Japan is represented by Cosmo Kuranda and Shin Emperor, while Dermot Weld has nominated Purview, 27 years after his first Cox Plate runner.
• French-trained Map of Stars, a Royal Ascot Wolferton Stakes winner under McDonald, is viewed as a horse who could match Australia’s best.
• 38 individual Australian Group 1 winners are among the nominations, including current favourite Sir Delius, aiming to give Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott their first Cox Plate triumph.
• 2025 placegetters Buckaroo and Treasurethe Moment return among the entries.
• 16 local three-year-olds have been nominated for the 2026 edition.

2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate First Acceptances

The 2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate first acceptances close in early September.

First acceptances for the Ladbrokes Cox Plate 2026 are now out leaving 57 hopeful WFA gallopers but no internationals with Sir Delius the clear all-in favourite.

2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate First Acceptances at a Glance

• Sir Delius firm favourite at $2.80 through Ladbrokes
• Zero international entries remain
• 19 first acceptors for six-time winning trainer Chris Waller led by Aeliana
• Buckaroo (2nd) and Treasurethe Moment (3rd) the best out of last year’s Cox Plate back for redemption
• VRC Oaks winner Strictly Business the most notable local omission
• 11 three-year-olds remain led by Tron Bolt

View the full list of official Cox Plate 2026 first acceptances.

2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate Second Acceptances

The 2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate second acceptances close on Tuesday the 22nd of September 2026.

Second acceptances for the Ladbrokes Cox Plate 2026 are now out leaving 37 potential runners led in all-in betting by Sir Delius.

2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate Second Acceptances at a Glance

• Sir Delius firm favourite at $3 through Ladbrokes
• 14 second acceptors for six-time winning trainer Chris Waller led by Aeliana
• Buckaroo (2nd) and Treasurethe Moment (3rd) from last year’s trifecta still in the mix
• 7 three-year-olds remain led by Tron Bolt
• 7 mares still in contention looking to go back-to-back for the girls following Via Sistina (2025) last year

Table Credit: Racing Australia.

2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate Final Field

The Cox Plate field represents the best weight-for-age hopefuls from around Australia and aboard. The official 2026 Cox Plate field will be released by the Moonee Valley Racing Club (MVRC) on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, following a number of declaration stages of early acceptances.

Ladbrokes Cox Plate History

2026 Ladbrokes Cox Plate Prize Money

In total the 2026 Cox Plate will have prize money and trophies valued at around $6 million with the Cox Plate winner taking home an incredible $3 million!

• 1^st – $4,000,000
• 2^nd – $800,000
• 3^rd – $500,000
• 4^th – $250,000
• 5^th – $150,000
• 6^th – $100,000
• 7^th – $100,000
• 8th – $100,000

Ladbrokes Cox Plate Previous Race Winners

Past Cox Plate Results

Looking at previous Cox Plate results can be helpful, given the number of horses who contest the race on multiple occasions. We have a Cox Plate winners page and a Cox Plate results page for your perusal. This could help you in your betting picks or simply to settle arguments at the pub.

Cox Plate Winners

Recent Cox Plate winners and placegetters dating back to the year 2000 are detailed in the below table.

Cox Plate FAQs

What is the Cox Plate?
The Cox Plate is Australia’s premier weight-for-age championship, run over 2040m and widely regarded as one of the most prestigious races of the spring carnival.

When is the Cox Plate 2026?
The Cox Plate 2026 will be held on Saturday October 24, 2026, during the peak of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.

Where is the Cox Plate held?
In 2026, the Cox Plate will take on a new look at Flemington, moving from its traditional home at Moonee Valley.

What distance is the Cox Plate run over?
The Cox Plate is run over 2040 metres, a unique trip that demands tactical speed, stamina and a sharp turn of foot.

How much prize money is on offer in the Cox Plate?
The 2026 Cox Plate is worth $6 million, making it one of Australia’s richest and most sought-after weight-for-age races.

Who has won the most Cox Plates?
Legendary trainer Tommy Smith holds the record with seven Cox Plate victories; a mark Chris Waller is aiming to equal in 2026.

Which horses are nominated for the Cox Plate 2026?
A total of 103 horses, including 15 international runners, have been nominated for the 2026 Cox Plate.

How do I bet on the Cox Plate?
Punters can access the latest Cox Plate odds, futures markets, tips and race previews through leading Australian bookmaker and race sponsor Ladbrokes.

What are the key Cox Plate lead-up races?
Major lead-ups include the Feehan Stakes, Underwood Stakes, Caulfield Stakes, and other earlyspring WFA tests.

Who are the favourites for the Cox Plate 2026?
Early favourites include Sir Delius, Aeliana, and a strong group of international Group 1 performers targeting Flemington.