Races

Can Via Sistina win the Cox Plate again?

Posted on | Posted by TABtouch

The Cox Plate is often called “the best two minutes in sport”, and this year’s edition promises to be a thriller. All eyes are on Via Sistina, the reigning champion who blew the field away last year with a record-breaking eight-length victory. But can she do it again?

Why She’s the Favourite

  • Via Sistina is a well-established Aussie champion. The eight-year-old mare by Fastnet Rock was crowned Australian Racehorse of the Year after her dominant 2024 season, which included that unforgettable Cox Plate demolition and a Champions Stakes win at Flemington.
  • She jumps from barrier 5, a historically strong gate at Moonee Valley.
  • Trainer Chris Waller has won five Cox Plates, and says she’s “spot on” for her grand final despite recent defeats. He believes her sectionals show she’s still at her peak. Plus, Via has champion jockey James McDonald aboard.

The Form Query

While Via Sistina started her spring with a Winx Stakes win, she’s been beaten in her last two runs: Third in the Makybe Diva Stakes behind Mr Brightside and Aeliana, then third again in the Turnbull, behind Sir Delius and Antino. Yes, Aeliana and Antino will be facing the starter alongside Via Sistina on Saturday!

These defeats have raised questions. Is age catching up, or is she simply building fitness for her grand final? McDonald insists the tough Turnbull run will “harden her up” for Saturday.

The Main Threats

  • Antino: The Queensland star has been ultra-consistent and beat Via Sistina in the Turnbull. He’s drawn well in barrier 6 and looks the biggest danger.
  • Aeliana: A rising star from Waller’s yard, with Hugh Bowman (Winx’s jockey) in the saddle.
  • Globe: The Might And Power winner could control the speed.

Others in the field include boom mare Treasurethe Moment, three-year-old Nepotism, Light Infantry Man, Attrition, and staying champ Buckaroo. Via Sistina remains the hot favourite, with Antino next. The rest are close to double figures in the odds, underlining the market’s faith in the reigning queen.

Verdict: While only a handful of horses have gone back-to-back in the Cox Plate, Via Sistina has the class, the trainer, and the jockey to join that elite club. If she brings her A-game, she’s the one to beat – but it’s a field stacked with talent.

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