The Cox Plate is among the most competitive races at weight for age in the world, and the hardest to win.

Since the race was first run in 1922, to honour the founder of Moonee Valley, William Samuel Cox, the race has attracted more champions than any other race on the calendar.

Whilst we lack the proven weight for age horses this season’s, Sportingbet Cox Plate still retains its magic, the race that provides sheer theatre.

While many of the stars that will contest the race were on show at Moonee Valley’s Breakfast With The Stars, on Tuesday morning, the favourite, Fawkner, was missing, he was not hogging the limelight, instead he was at Mount Macedon finishing off his final gallop.

Fawkner has the ideal draw, he will come out of barrier four and his form, a last start winner, when he defeated Criterion in the Caulfield Stakes, he is a worthy favourite for the Cox Plate.

He has the best form at weight for age this season, a great run at Flemington in the Makybe Dive Stakes when narrowly beaten by Dissident, then going on to win the Caulfield Stakes.

That was by far the best weight for age race run this season he showed great tenacity and the will to win.

He is a great fighter, he never gives in, nor does his rider, Nick Hall, they have a perfect understanding that saw them combining to win last year’s Caulfield Cup.

Hall should have no trouble of taking up a handy position from barrier four; he will be able to give the favourite a winning chance from there.

Criterion is also drawn in a handy spot, he will get the run of the race from there, yet to win at weight for age, his last start was impressive.

Adelaide on his reputation alone has to be considered, although he is drawn wide, how he handles the first turn could be a concern, but certainly he adds a lot of interest to the race.

The Cleaner is in the gate alongside of Adelaide, he no doubt will lead at some stage, but to get there he is sure to burn up a lot of energy.

He will surely be the crowd favourite, if he happens to win the grandstand will surely be in need of re-blocking.

Happy Trails may have had his chance last year when finishing second to Shamus Award, he was then coming off a win in the Turnbull Stakes, his form has really slipped since then.

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