The Moonee Valley Racing Club has officially unveiled the nominations for this year’s prestigious Cox Plate.
Chris Waller has put forward a significant portion of the entries for the $6 million race, which were announced on Tuesday. Among his 27 potential contenders is the notable mare Autumn Glow, set to compete in the 2040-metre event.
Despite paying the $1320 entry fee, Waller indicated that a start for Autumn Glow in the October 24 race is improbable, unless jockey James McDonald, a four-time consecutive winner of the Cox Plate, advises otherwise.
“Just to keep options open,” Waller commented when questioned about Autumn Glow’s inclusion.
“It’s not on our radar, but if James at any stage says, ‘have a go at the Cox Plate’ she’ll be having a go.”
Autumn Glow is scheduled to make her return in the Group 1 Winx Stakes at Randwick on August 22. Her performance in this 1400m race will likely dictate her next target, with potential runs in the $20 million The Everest (1200m) or the King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on October 17.
The Cox Plate, which will be held at Flemington this year due to redevelopment at Moonee Valley, received 103 nominations in total. This year’s race is particularly notable as Moonee Valley is undergoing significant track redevelopment.
Leading the local entries is Sir Delius, trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. The import is seeking to rebound after being withdrawn from last year’s race when considered a strong favourite.
Fifteen international contenders have been nominated, hailing from Ireland, the United Kingdom, France, and Japan. The international field is notably headed by the impressive three-year-old Gstaad, who recently finished second in the Group 1 Sussex Stakes at Goodwood behind the renowned miler Bow Echo.
Calandagan, initially rumoured to be a potential international visitor, was not among the nominees. However, the trainer of the Japan Cup winner, Francis-Henri Graffard, has entered Royal Ascot victor Map Of Stars.
This year, Waller will not have Via Sistina, the mare that captured the last two Cox Plates and brought him within one victory of Tommy Smith’s record of seven wins. Nevertheless, his 2026 contingent includes two horses that finished behind the winner last year.
Buckaroo, who narrowly missed out to Via Sistina for second place, has been nominated again. Aeliana, who finished sixth last year, is also nominated and is expected to target the Cox Plate as a stepping stone to the Melbourne Cup.
“It’s not my job to seed them, but she’d certainly be right up there,” Waller stated regarding Aeliana’s prospects, although her preparation faced an unexpected setback with a late scratching from a trial at Warwick Farm on Tuesday morning.
“We’ll probably make it her target race. I’m not saying she’s our top seed, but she will be set for the race and I think it fits into a Melbourne Cup.
“But, first and foremost, a Cox Plate.”
Waller is responsible for half of the 16 three-year-old nominations, which includes Group 1 winning two-year-olds Campione D’Italia, Fireball, and Tron Bolt.
The Cox Plate is shaping up to be a thrilling contest this year, with many of the world’s best horses nominated. Punters are already looking to secure the best racing odds.