Australasia’s weight-for-age championship will be decided at The Valley on Saturday when a talent-rich field contests the 2022 Cox Plate.
The Cox Plate has been won by some of the world’s best-ever horses throughout its storied hundred-year existence, including equine superstar Winx on an unprecedented four-consecutive occasions.
Who will join the exclusive Cox Plate winner’s list this year? I’ve run the rule over the field and provided my complete Cox Plate Tips below.
Cox Plate – Winner
No. 10 Anamoe
In my opinion, Anamoe is the best horse in Australia, and I think that he will be the 2022 Cox Plate winner.
The Street Boss entire has won a Group 1 race in each racing preparation that he has had since making his debut, and struck in the Neds Caulfield Guineas last spring before going within millimetres of winning the Cox Plate.
He added the Rosehill Guineas to his CV in autumn, but there is no doubt that he has returned to the track in career-best form this season, having already won the Winx Stakes, George Main and Neds Might And Power.
He loves The Valley, James McDonald rides and with even luck, he’ll take a power of beating.
Cox Plate – 2nd
No. 12 El Bodegon
The Cox Plate field’s sole international raider, though he has been transferred to the Chris Waller yard, is El Bodegon.
El Bodegon has recorded three wins and a further give minors from his nine career starts to date, striking in the Group 1 Saint-Cloud in France late last year, most notably.
His form this year has been typically outstanding, and he was last seen finishing third behind the likes of Deauville Legend in the Great Voltigeur in August.
He gets into the race well, Damien Oliver rides, and he really does look the danger to Anamoe this year.
Cox Plate – 3rd
No. 1 Zaaki
Zaaki has drawn into the Cox Plate field in barrier 1 and I think that Jamie Kah will want to take him forward from there.
The evergreen gelding has returned to the races in typically competitive form this time, and won the Tramway Stakes fresh before filling the minors in both the Underwood Stakes and the Neds Might And Power.
He does look to be in absolute peak condition for his Cox Plate tilt and he should receive every chance – I simply feel that Anamoe is now a better horse, and El Bodegon is the unknown force.
Cox Plate – 4th
No. 6 Gold Trip
Gold Trip was excellent in last weekend’s Caulfield Cup and dropping back to the 2040m of the Cox Plate should prove too much of an issue for him.
The talented import has been great throughout his debut Australian prep, placing in both the Winter Challenge and the Naturalism Stakes first and second up.
He kept his best work for late when fifth, beaten less than two lengths in the Turnbull, and he hit the line impressively to finish a head second behind Durston last week.
He’s in peak order and should get every chance again on Saturday under Irish hoop Jamie Spencer.
Cox Plate Suggested Bets
- 5 Units straight out #10 Anamoe
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below
