2026 Cox Plate Field, Barrier Draw & Form

CEOLWULF (3) arrives in excellent form after recording consecutive second-place finishes in the Epsom Handicap and King Charles III Stakes. He’s been competitive against quality opposition in Sydney and has shown he can produce a strong finish when given the right opportunity.

The step up in distance is a key consideration, although he has previously won over 2000m. His inside draw at barrier three should help him settle economically, and he deserves respect as a genuine contender.

LIGHT INFANTRY MAN (11) is a proven performer at the highest level and brings plenty of experience into this assignment. The Australian Cup winner has the ability to race prominently and could prove difficult to run down if he gets everything his own way.

SIR DELIUS (5) remains one of the major winning chances despite producing mixed results in his two runs this preparation. His fourth in the Turnbull Stakes was below expectations, but the testing conditions and strong tempo offered some excuses for that performance.

He won this race last year and has an excellent record over 2000m, giving him a strong foundation for another Cox Plate campaign. Barrier 5 is ideal, and Craig Williams should have plenty of options from the middle of the field. If he produces his best form, he will be extremely difficult to beat.

ATTRITION (4) is easy to overlook at the longer odds, but he has shown signs of finding his best form again. His recent victory provides a timely confidence boost, and he has the advantage of experience at this level after finishing fourth in last year’s Cox Plate.

Barrier 4 should allow Jamie Mott to give him a comfortable run, and he could be worth including in Cox Plate exotics.

COSMIC CRUSADER (8) heads into the Cox Plate after a busy spring campaign that has included a memorable Turnbull Stakes victory. That performance confirmed his ability to compete with elite middle-distance horses, and he has established himself as a serious player this preparation.

His fourth in the Caulfield Cup last start came over a longer trip, so the return to 2040m could be a positive. The main concern is whether the demanding schedule has taken its toll, but William Pike sticks with him.

BIRDMAN (1) is an intriguing runner who shouldn’t be dismissed after an underwhelming performance in the Might And Power Stakes. His earlier victory in the Underwood Stakes showed he has the quality to compete with this field, and he has already demonstrated a strong turn of foot at Group 1 level.

LAND LEGEND (12) arrives with plenty of momentum after an impressive victory in the Might And Power Stakes. He showed his ability to dictate proceedings from the front when holding off Sheza Alibi.

However, there are more dangers in this field compared to what he faced last start, so another upset is unlikely.

MIDDLE EARTH (7) faces a difficult task after a series of disappointing results this preparation. His recent form figures don’t inspire much confidence, although his performance in the Caulfield Cup suggested there may still be some improvement to come.

SAINT GEORGE (6) brings strong staying form into the Cox Plate after finishing second in the Caulfield Cup. That was an encouraging performance over 2400m, confirming that he is in good form heading into the final stages of the spring carnival.

The challenge is whether he can reproduce that effort over 2040m at weight-for-age conditions.

AELIANA (10) is one of the leading contenders and looks well placed to produce a strong performance in this year’s Cox Plate. Her autumn campaign included impressive victories in the Ranvet Stakes and Tancred Stakes, demonstrating her quality over middle and staying distances.

She finished third in the Turnbull Stakes last start, working home well without quite being able to reel in the winner. The wide draw at barrier 10 is a slight concern, but James McDonald has plenty of experience.

WARWOVEN (2) is one of the most exciting runners in the field after producing a dominant victory in the Caulfield Guineas. That followed his impressive Golden Rose success, establishing him as one of the standout three-year-olds of the spring.

The biggest question is whether he can reproduce that form over 2040m against older, more experienced opposition. However, he receives a significant weight drop, carrying just 49.5kg.

BLIND RAISE (9) has emerged as a talented 3YO after finishing second behind Warwoven in the Caulfield Guineas. He was competitive throughout that contest and showed plenty of determination, suggesting he can run well in the Cox Plate.