There are few things in the world that work together better than Chris Waller and James McDonald.
OK, if you are a breakfast fiend, maybe bacon and eggs. Or for the fitness nuts, ear pods and running.
But in the sporting world, these two come up trumps, having won the past two Cox Plates with Via Sistina and 51 groups 1s as a trainer-jockey combination.
This Saturday, they can jump to 52 – two behind the Australian record of legendary trainer Tommy Smith and jockey George Moore – by winning the Cox Plate with Aeliana. That would take Waller’s total victories in the race to seven and McDonald to five.
Race 9: $6m Group 1 Cox Plate (2040 metres), starting time 5.10pm
The favourite: If Waller is a grand final trainer, then Aeliana is a massive chance to win racing’s equivalent of the Norm Smith Medal. Waller has primed the three-time group 1-winning mare to hit her sweet spot on Saturday, following a third in the group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) and second behind Autumn Glow in the group 2 Sunrise Stakes (1600m) at Randwick.
The threats: A decision by Sydneysider Joe Pride to send his No.1 seed Ceolwulf south has been a godsend for the race. He is an A-grader and brings Autumn Glow form lines. Many think Sir Delius would have romped in last year’s plate before being ruled out by the Melbourne Cup safety protocols. Not going quite as well this year, but set to peak. The three-year-olds – Warwoven and Blind Raise – are above average and bred to get the 2040m. Birdman just needs to handle the expected hot tempo to be a winning chance.
The roughie: Traditionally, the Cox Plate is not a race for long-shots. So, we are looking for a first-four hope. Attrition ran fourth last year, and has had a better preparation this spring, although this looks a stronger field.
Cox Plate tips: 1st Aeliana (No.10), 2nd Ceowulf (No.1), 3rd Birdman (No.6), 4th Blind Raise (No.12)
Russell says: Aeliana looks the one. I’m not concerned about barrier 10 of 14 because the field will be stretched out by front-runners Land Legend and Light Infantry Man and, unlike Moonee Valley in the past, Flemington has a long straight.
Cox Plate trifecta: 1, 10/ 1, 3, 6, 10, 12/ 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12
Best bets: Kizlyar (Race 7, No.18) is an Irish runner for Joseph O’Brien. International form looks strong this year. The Vase looks a winnable race for filly Joely (Race 3, No.11).
Cox Plate quaddie: 1st leg: 1, 2, 6, 7, 12, 13. 2nd leg: 11, 18. 3rd leg: 1, 10. 4th leg: 2, 9, 12, 13.
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