The 2023 edition of the prestigious Cox Plate promises an electrifying showdown as a field of 12 formidable contenders gear up for the battle this Saturday afternoon at Moonee Valley in Melbourne, Australia.
Hong Kong hero Romantic Warrior is poised to command the track from barrier seven, enjoying the top spot in betting odds for the A$5 million feature race.
Renowned jockey James McDonald will once again take the reins of the market favourite, who looks primed for a big performance after his strong fourth-place finish in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m).
Gold Trip, the reigning Melbourne Cup champion, is set to embark on a swift turnaround after securing third place in last weekend's Caulfield Cup (2400m).
With barrier eight as the starting point, this formidable champion, partnered with Mark Zahra, aims to amplify an already illustrious record with a third Group 1 victory.
Stepping onto Australian turf for the first time is the Northern Hemisphere three-year-old Victoria Road from the Joseph O'Brien stables, with Blake Shinn in the saddle from barrier six.
Alligator Blood (5) and Mr Brightside (2) disappointed in last year's Cox Plate, but they have both drawn beautifully as they seek redemption this weekend.
The illustrious mare Fangirl, fresh from her triumph in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m), is one of the two formidable female contenders in the race.
She will be guided by the skilled Hong Kong-based jockey Zac Purton.
King Colorado (10) and Militarize (3) are the sole Southern Hemisphere three-year-olds in the race, with their respective jockeys, Michael Dee and Zac Lloyd, slimming down to 49.5kg for this highly anticipated race.
Completing the lineup for the 2023 Cox Plate are the esteemed competitors Zaaki, My Oberon, Pinstriped, and Duais.