"May the best horse win": McDonald previews Cox Plate ride on Aeliana

James McDonald rode Aeliana in her final piece of work at Flemington on Tuesday morning ahead of the Group 1 Cox Plate this Saturday.

McDonald, who has won the last four Cox Plates, joined Gareth Hall to discuss the star mare’s gallop and her prospects in ‘the race where legends are made’.

“It was a really good morning actually, she worked nicely … she is ready to go,” he said on SENTrack and RSN's Giddy Up.

The 2026 Cox Plate field is shaping up to be incredibly intriguing with an even spread of horses towards the top of the market.

“There is a handful of really good chances, so it will be a good test,” McDonald said.

“Cox Plates are always that way inclined. May the best horse win.

“Everyone will be peaking on the day; it will come down to who gets the right run.

“I couldn’t be happier with Aeliana she is in good form; she will be there when the whips are cracking hopefully.”

With this unique edition of the Cox Plate being run at Flemington, the 2040m will include a 450m straight that will be the great equaliser.

“It is going to be completely different because of the circumference of the track,” McDonald said.

“I think you are just going to need a very fit, strong horse and that is what I am on at the moment.”

The inclusions of Land Legend and Light Infantry Man will create for an increasingly solid pace, which should advantage the Waller trained mare.

“That will obviously help, it definitely won’t be detrimental to her in this race,” McDonald said.

This same scenario will likely enhance Sir Delius’ chances as well, but the two premiere weight for age 2000m horses will flourish with the early speed.

Aeliana returns to the track after a three-week lay off, since her placing in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes.

“She was the one ripping through the line, and she was only third up at the time,” McDonald said.

McDonald commented on Joe Pride's decision to back Ceolwulf up in the Cox Plate off a short turn around since running second to Autumn Glow in the Group 1 King Charles Stakes.

“I always thought he would be there,” he said.

“He is a terrific hope; he is just such a good horse.

“His form is impeccable I think he has been running behind the likes of Autumn Glow.”

The pair of three-year-olds, Blind Raise and Warwoven, are a point of contention, as naysayers suggst they won’t match it with the best horses, while some see their age as a enormous advantage.

McDonald sees both advantages and disadvantages.

“I think they are two very talented colts, they will be very hard to beat,” he said.

“I think one of the disadvantages is getting away from Moonee Valley, being at Flemington they are obviously going to have to man up there and take the bull by the horns.

“They are probably going to have to do it a little bit tougher … compared to skipping around a bend at Moonee Valley.

“Saying that they look extremely talented and you can never write them off.”

With that field being so equal at the top of the market, the lone Flemington edition of the Cox Plate is developing into one of the great editions.

Aeliana is currently the $4 favourite with Sportsbet for the 2026 Cox Plate this Saturday at Flemington.

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