Free preview · Cox Plate 2026

The Cox Plate
Flemington · Saturday 24 October

This is exactly how our members see every race. Our TLU Top 4 with write-ups, our suggested bet and the speed map.

Track Good 4Rail TrueJump 5:10PM AEDT
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A strong Cox Plate with no standout. The three-year-olds Warwoven and Blind Raise get in light, and the market has Aeliana and Sir Delius up top. Our top pick is the horse we think the market has underrated, and at the price he's our value play of the day. Here is our full race preview, the same one our members get.

R8

Cox Plate G1

5:10PM AEDT · 2040m · $6,000,000
Track Good 4Rail TruePace ModerateClarity PoorWinning standard 103.3
TLU Top 4
1st
#6 Birdman
Barrier 1 · Jockey B. Melham · Trainer C. Waller · Our value play

Wore the blinkers to win the Underwood Stakes at Caulfield by almost two lengths, his best figure yet, then ran a sound third in the Might And Power. A Group 1 Doomben Cup winner over 2000m, so the trip suits, and barrier 1 gives Ben Melham options. Our top pick at a nice price.

2nd
#10 Aeliana
Barrier 10 · Jockey J. McDonald · Trainer C. Waller

Third over 2000m at Flemington on 3 October, and second at Randwick over a mile the start before. James McDonald rides. Drawn out in 10, but she's in form and has the class to run a big race. Our second pick.

3rd
#1 Ceolwulf
Barrier 3 · Jockey C. Schofield · Trainer J. Pride

Placed in each of his last three at Randwick, all over a mile, and his figures are right up with the best in this field. Steps up to 2040m, and Chad Schofield, who won this race on Shamus Award in 2013, rides from barrier 3.

4th
#11 Warwoven
Barrier 2 · Jockey R. King · Trainer B. Baker

Has won his last three: a dominant Golden Eagle, then ran down Blind Raise in the Caulfield Guineas. He gets in light with 49.5kg as a three-year-old. A stiffer test here, but he's flying, rates best on our numbers and draws well. Rates best on our numbers, so he can't be left out.

TLU Top 46-10-1-11
Suggested bet#6 Birdman · Win · Small bet
Speed map
Lead#12 Blind Raise (9) · #2 Light Infantry Man (11)
On pace#11 Warwoven (2) · #10 Aeliana (10) · #1 Ceolwulf (3)
Mid#3 Sir Delius (5) · #7 Land Legend (12) · #4 Attrition (4)
Back#5 Cosmic Crusader (8) · #9 Saint George (6) · #8 Middle Earth (7) · #6 Birdman (1)
Stewards report (last start) · 2
#7Land Legend · 1st of 6, Caulfield 10 Oct: Pulled hard. Hung out during race. Stewards queried run.
#11Warwoven · 1st of 11, Caulfield 10 Oct: Bounded on jumping.

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