6:00am - William Hill Cox Plate | 2040m | Group 1 | i

An epic showdown for this year's Cox Plate. It could be a tactical race with no obvious pace engaged (tempo: STEADY), you can expect both McDonald on HARTNELL and Bowman on WINX to push the favourites into a prominent position early. WINX has oozed class all campaign and took care of HARTNELL first-up, but the Godolphin galloper's ratings have gone through the roof since then. Not much between them on paper, it's WINX's ability to corner like a race car around this track and sustain a long sprint that could give her the edge. French galloper VADAMOS the only other threat from near the pace too. He's strong, classy and can quicken. If it's dry, HAURAKI or BLACK HEART BART can place, or LUCIA VALENTINA is favoured if it's wet. HAPPY TRAILS Winkers AGAIN. [updated Saturday 9am]