#coxplate2017

The Cox Plate has been called ‘the greatest two minutes in Australian sport’, and the 2017 edition could prove the ultimate crowning moment for Australian champion Winx.

Chris Waller’s superstar mare is chasing her third consecutive Cox Plate: a feat achieved only once in the 95-year history of the race, by Tommy Smith’s champion Kingston Town in 1980, 1981 and 1982.

With Winx currently at $1.20 and unlikely to drift in the slightest, everybody’s Cox Plate tips will obviously be dominated by the great mare. But are there any dangers capable of spoiling the party?

While challengers are understandably being scared off, there looks to be a few quality horses who could take on the race and at least have a good shot at the $540,000 second prize. Leading Victorian trainer Darren Weir is likely to run Gailo Chop, who is certainly back to his best after winning the Group One Caulfield Stakes on Guineas day.

Weir’s second Group One winner on that day was Tosen Stardom in the Toorak Handicap, and the Japanese import is being widely tipped to join his stablemate in the Cox Plate.

Continuing the big-stable theme, Godolphin’s Cranbourne Cup winner Folkswood is considered at least a possible starter among the Cox Plate tips. A visitor from Charlie Appleby’s UK stable, Folkswood was a longer shot for the race but shortened considerably after the impressive victory in the Cranbourne Cup.