Cox Plate two-minute form guide: Why each horse can and can't win
Gold Trip will be hard to beat in the Cox Plate.
It's the $5 million Cox Plate on Saturday, which is always one of the best betting races of the year (especially when Winx isn't going around at $1.20!).
Here's a two-minute form guide on why every horse can and can't win the great race.
The race will be run at 5.10pm AEDT.
• Cox Plate expert runner-by-runner analysis, tips
• Expert panel's Cox Plate and Manikato Stakes tips
1. ROMANTIC WARRIOR
Why he can: Hong Kong superstar who's won 10 from 15 starts. From all reports, he's jumping out of his skin. J-Mac (James McDonald) is shooting for back-to-back Cox Plate wins.
Why he can't: His 4th in the Turnbull Stakes was only average. Needs to improve considerably to figure in the finish. Has had plenty of travel hurdles to overcome.
• ‘He's the biggest false favourite in Cox Plate history'
2. ZAAKI
Why he can: War horse who will make his own luck near the lead. Four-time Group 1 winner. Fourth in this race last year. Damian Lane a plus.
Why he can't: Needs a career peak as a nine-year-old to win this, which is highly unlikely. Widest gate means he will have to work early to get across.
• Tony Brassel's Top 5 for the Cox Plate
3. MR BRIGHTSIDE
Why he can: As tough as they come. Four-time Group 1 winner. Won three from four at The Valley. Soft gate.
Why he can't: Is a query at a strong 2040m. Has already had four tough runs this prep, including a return trip to Sydney last start. Can he peak again for a career-best performance?
4. ALLIGATOR BLOOD
Why he can: Absolutely airborne. His win in the Might And Power Stakes over 2000m was special. Will make his own luck. Soft gate. 7-time Group 1 winner.
Why he can't: Unplaced in his two "grand finals" at this track in this year's All-Star Mile and last year's Cox Plate.
• INSIDE STORY: Alligator Blood's incredible rise against the odds
5. GOLD TRIP
Why he can: Melbourne Cup winner, two-time Caulfield Cup placegetter, dominant Turnbull Stakes winner, who is flying. Arguably should have won this race last year. Blinkers on. In-form jockey. Master trainers.
Why he can't: Has to bounce out of a tough run in the Caulfield Cup on Saturday when he carried a big weight in a fast-run race.
• The Armchair Punter's predicted Cox Plate finishing order
6. MY OBERON
Why he can: Is always around the mark. Was only just beaten home by Mr Brightside in the King Charles III Stakes last start. Nice barrier.
Why he can't: Query at 2000m. Has only won one race since coming to Australia. Very much doubt this will be number two.
7. PINSTRIPED
Why he can: Won the Feehan Stakes here and is unbeaten (2/2) at The Valley.
Why he can't: Barrier 11 makes it tough. By far the hardest race he's contested. Query at the distance.
8. FANGIRL
Why she can: Was electric winning the King Charles III Stakes. Chris Waller. Zac Purton. Sense of timing. The stalker.
Why she can't: Untried at The Valley and at 2000m-plus. Awkward barrier.
9. DUAIS
Why she can: 2000m is her sweet spot. Three-time Group 1 winner. Soft gate. Damien Oliver's last Cox Plate. Destiny for Ollie?
Why she can't: Her Might And Power Stakes run was good, but not great. She hasn't won a race for 19 months.
10. VICTORIA ROAD
Why he can: Fits the profile of previous European three-year-old winners of this race from the O'Brien stables — Adelaide and State Of Rest. Has a sharp turn of foot. Blake Shinn rides. Nice barrier.
Why he can't: Failed at only start at 2000m. Relatively inexperienced with only 10 starts.
11. MILITARIZE
Why he can: Three-time Group 1 winner. Ran on well in the Caulfield Guineas. 49.5kg. Drawn well. Chris Waller.
Why he can't: Untested at 2000m. This is by far the hardest race he's contested. Up against some hard heads in a pressure cooker he's never been in. Will he handle the Cox Plate furnace?
12. KING COLORADO
Why he can: Incredibly brave run in the Caulfield Guineas. Light weight. Maher-Eustace. Group 1 jockey, Micky Dee.
Why he can't: Wide gate makes it tough. He's only had six starts and been beaten in four of them. Huge class jump.
PREDICTED FINISHING ORDER1st: Gold Trip (5)
2nd: Fangirl (8)
3rd: Alligator Blood (4)
4th: Mr Brightside (3)
5th: Victoria Road (10)
6th: Militarize (11)
7th: Romantic Warrior (1)
8th: King Colorado (12)
9th: Duais (9)
10th: Zaaki (2)
11th: My Oberon (6)
12th: Pinstriped (7)