Cox Plate 2026 Betting Tips - Will Sir Delius Justify Favouritism?
The 2026 Cox Plate, renowned as Australian racing’s greatest two minutes, shifts to Flemington while Moonee Valley undergoes redevelopment. Sir Delius, trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, emerges as the top bet, showing prime form and proven stamina over the 2000m distance. Autumn Boy, from Chris Waller’s stable, is the recommended value pick, coming off strong Group 1 performances and considered ideal for an each-way bet. Both runners are expected to benefit from the change in venue, making this edition especially intriguing for punters.
- 2026 Cox Plate will be run at Flemington due to Valley redevelopment
- Sir Delius is the top pick to win, showing strong Group 1 form and distance suitability
- Autumn Boy offers each way value, coming off impressive form and a Rosehill Guineas victory
Sir Delius winning the 2026 Queen Elizabeth Stakes. (Getty)
The Cox Plate is widely regarded as the greatest two minutes in Australian racing, with the iconic 2040m weight-for-age contest long serving as the centrepiece of the Melbourne spring carnival.
Traditionally staged at the cauldron of Moonee Valley, the 2026 edition will instead be held at Flemington due to the ongoing redevelopment of the Valley circuit, adding a fascinating new dimension to this year’s race.
At $2.70 with EliteBet, Sir Delius is favourite for the 2026 Cox Plate.
2026 Cox Plate Tips
2026 Cox Plate Best Bet - Sir Delius
There was enough in Sir Delius’ first-up fourth in the Makybe Diva Stakes to suggest he has returned in good order, particularly with the Flemington mile well short of his best distance.
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained entire was beaten 3.9 lengths behind Sheza Alibi but still produced a solid return against several horses with a sharper 1600m profile.
His previous campaign had already established him as one of the country’s premier middle-distance performers, with Group 1 wins in the Underwood Stakes, Turnbull Stakes and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
That record gives him a stronger 2000m profile than most of his Cox Plate rivals, while the likelihood of further improvement deeper into his preparation only strengthens the case.
At the current $2.70 quote he is already well found, but Sir Delius still looks the safest futures option given his proven weight-for-age quality and established form around the Cox Plate distance range.
2026 Cox Plate Value Bet - Autumn Boy
There was plenty to like about Autumn Boy’s second-up run in the Makybe Diva Stakes, where he chased home Sheza Alibi for second after the race developed into a sharp sprint home.
The Chris Waller-trained four-year-old produced a high-rating performance there, continuing a strong pattern of Group 1 form behind one of the best mares in the country.
His best form has already shown he is capable of stretching beyond the mile, with the Rosehill Guineas victory during the autumn providing the clearest evidence that 2000m is within his range.
He still has to prove he can make the final jump into open weight-for-age company over that trip, but his latest performance suggested he has returned in better shape for another serious spring campaign.
With further improvement likely and Chris Waller’s outstanding recent Cox Plate record behind him, Autumn Boy remains one of the more appealing double-figure options if connections elect to push on towards Flemington.
Verdict
Our tips for the 2026 Cox Plate are:
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