2025 Cox Plate Preview
Date: Saturday, 25 October 2025
Venue: Moonee Valley Racecourse (Victoria)
Distance & Conditions: 2040 metres, Group 1, Weight-for-Age
Prize Pool: $6 million (with $4 million to the winner) as the contest continues to build
Track & Weather Conditions
Moonee Valley’s compact circuit and sharp turning layout always make the Cox Plate a tactical and intense affair. Based on recent race day reports, the track is expected to be in Good (4) condition, favouring those who can obtain a decent position early and negotiate the bend well. Recent entries suggest the rail is set in the normal position, which means there is little bias expected—but as always at The Valley, early position and ability to switch off are crucial.
Weather forecasts currently suggest fine conditions with no significant rainfall expected, which means the track should hold up well and sprinters-turned-milers or middle-distance types won’t have to contend with heavy going or undue fatigue. If conditions remain “Good,” that bodes well for horses prone to strong finishing bursts rather than pure stayers who need soft ground.
Key Runners & What to Watch
The 2025 Cox Plate field is shaping up as a high-class weight-for-age clash. While it is worth nothing that none of the runners were last-start winners, several horses stand out as major hopes.
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Via Sistina (trainer: Chris Waller) returns as the defending champion after her dominant eight-length victory last year. She is the market favourite to go back-to-back.
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Treasurethe Moment (trainer: Matt Laurie) has emerged as a serious contender in the market. Favoured with a lighter weight of 55.5kg, she is drawn to exploit her turn of foot over the distance.
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Aeliana (trainer: Chris Waller) a four-year-old mare from the Waller stable, looks primed and has been kept fresh for this event after being withdrawn from the Caulfield Cup earlier in the month. Her presence adds depth to Waller’s assault.
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Buckaroo (trainer: Chris Waller) also looms as a danger. With 59kg, he carries more weight, but his form suggests he can upset if conditions allow.
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Nepotism (trainer: M, J & W Hawkes) is the youthful challenger (3-year-old) with only 49.5kg to carry—lighter weight may play a role if he is suited by the race tempo.
How the Race Might Be Run
Given Moonee Valley’s layout and a likely field size around nine to ten runners, expect a genuine tempo scenario. With several horses capable of going forward, the early stages will matter significantly. Horses drawn well and breaking well (especially the inside barriers) will be able to get into good spots without expending too much energy.
The key tactical scenario: if a speed type breaks cleanly and goes to the front, the bend and 600m to run will present the real test. Those positioned just off that pace and with a strong finish will have the advantage. Conversely, if the pace is muddling and the tempo slow, it may turn into a sprint home where fresh, strong finishers dominate.
Weight-for-age helps ensure it’s a class test rather than a pure sprint or staying test. With Via Sistina returning and a strong menu of contenders, the race becomes as much about rhythm and timing as about stamina or sheer speed.
Our 2025 Cox Plate Tip — Via Sistina
Considering her dominant performance last year, topclass form since, and the fact she is the short-priced favourite for good reason, we’re tipping Via Sistina to take out the 2025 Cox Plate. Her ability to settle, switch off, and wind up in the final 400 metres makes her perfect for Moonee Valley’s test.
For a slight value alternative, Treasurethe Moment is the main danger – she has the weight advantage and talent to cause trouble if she gets a clean run.
Bet: Via Sistina to win the 2025 Cox Plate – $2.40 at Dabble
