Cox Plate preview: What you need to know about the 12 starters in the prestigious Group 1 race worth $5MILLION at Moonee Valley

On Saturday, the WS Cox Plate will be called the ‘best two minutes in the sport’ by many Australian racing fans for the 102nd time.

With a whopping $5 million in prize money – including $3 million for the winner – this more than $2040 million Group 1 event always attracts a world-class field.

When it comes to picking a winner, outstanding three-year-old colt Militarize has caught the attention of many punters, with Alligator Blood and 2022 Melbourne Cup winner Gold Trip also expected to play a major role.

Below is Daily Mail Australia’s runner-by-runner guide to the 2023 Cox Plate.

1. Romantic Warrior (Barrier 7)

Strong performer based in Hong Kong, a staggering $14 million in career prize money tells the story.

Chances: $4

Trainer: Danny Shum

Jockey: James McDonald

2. Zaaki (barrier 12)

Always an honest performer, but class of field could be his undoing.

Chances: $19

Trainer: Annabel Neasham

Jockey: Damian Lane

3. Mr. Brightside (Barrier 2)

In super from, if he leads heading into the straight, it will take a while before he stops. Has four Group 1 winners to his name.

Chances: $8

Trainer: Ben, JD and Will Hayes

Jockey: Craig Williams

4. Alligator blood (barrier 5)

Favorite with many punters, the seven-year-old gelding is ultra consistent. Latest start dominant win in Group 1 at Caulfield.

Chances: $5.50

Trainer: Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott

Jockey: Tim Clark

Tim Clark is trusted by trainers Adrian Bott and Gai Waterhouse to ride Alligator Blood in the Cox Plate

5. Gold Journey (Barrier 8)

Can win this, looked electric in the Turnbull Stakes. Also the winner of last year’s Melbourne Cup.

Chances: $8.50

Trainer: Ciaran Maher and David Eustace

Jockey: Mark Zahra

6. My Oberon (Barrier 4)

Give preference to others, the victory will be a big shock, given the quality of the opposition.

Chances: $51

Trainer: Annabel Neasham

Jockey: Jamie Moth

7. Pinstripe (Barrier 11)

Winner of Group 2 on the same track, but important step forward.

Chances: $61

Trainer: Enver Jusufovic

Jockey: Ben Allen

The Cox Plate always attracts a healthy number of punters in Mooney Valley (photo, in 2022)

8. Fangirl (Barrier 9)

Won impressively at Randwick’s last start. Another favorite among punters and master trainer Chris Waller said she could be a superstar in the making.

Chances: $9

Trainer: Chris Waller

Jockey: Zac Purton

9. Duais (barrier 1)

Quality mare who does her best work until late, no discount. An interior barrier can also be an advantage. Damien Oliver’s last Cox Plate before he retires in December.

Chances: $31

Trainer: Ed Cummings

Jockey: Damien Oliver

10. Victoria Road (barrier 6)

Very popular type from Ireland. Jockey Blake Shinn also knows the track ‘Valley’ like the back of his hand.

Chances: $10

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien

Jockey: Blake Shinn

Blake Shinn will be tasked with winning the Cox Plate aboard Ireland’s Victoria Road

Gun apprentice jockey Zac Lloyd will be aboard Militarize (left) for the 102nd staging of the Cox Plate

11. Militarize (barrier 3)

Real hope. Running discount Guineas, had no luck, ran home well.

Chances: $7.50

Trainer: Chris Waller

Jockey: Zac Lloyd (student)

12. King Colorado (barrier 10)

An exotic opportunity at best. Gun jockey in Michael Dee is a plus.

Chances: $21

Trainer: Ciaran Maher and David Eustace

Jockey: Michael Dee

Bet Right CEO Anthony Waller could not split Alligator Blood and New Zealand entrant Mr Brightside as he was ridden by the highly experienced Craig Williams.

“Together they have amassed career prize money of almost $20 million,” he told Daily Mail Australia.

“Both delivered a great ride for their respective connections and fans, and I believe they will be the two to fight out this heavyweight title fight.”

Waller’s final selection consisted of the promising colt Militarize, who will then do penance runs unplaced in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas.

He pointed to the rising star’s closing sections, combined with a significant weight advantage, as the reasons why punters should expect a bold performance on Saturday.

Selections for correct deployment:

1. Alligator blood

2. Mr. Brightside

3. Militarize