Cox Plate 2026 Betting Tips - Will Sir Delius Justify Favouritism?
The 2026 Cox Plate, traditionally held at Moonee Valley, will move to Flemington due to redevelopment, bringing a fresh dynamic to this premier Australian race. Sir Delius tops the betting at $3.40 after a dominant spring campaign, followed by Half Yours and Autumn Boy as strong each-way contenders. With updated odds from EliteBet, this year's event is poised for upsets and excitement. Key recommendations are Sir Delius for the win, with Half Yours and Autumn Boy providing each-way value.
- The 2026 Cox Plate runs at Flemington due to Moonee Valley's redevelopment
- Sir Delius is the top pick at $3.40, followed by strong each-way chances Half Yours ($11.00) and Autumn Boy ($26.00)
- Venue switch and competitive field add intrigue to Australia’s premier weight-for-age race
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 $3.40 with EliteBet, Sir Delius is favourite for the 2026 Cox Plate.
2026 Cox Plate Tips
2026 Cox Plate Best Bet - Sir Delius
With three wins from his first four Australian starts, including a back-to-back Group 1 double when successful in the Underwood Stakes and Turnbull Stakes, Sir Delius was arguably the best horse in Australia early last spring.
The gelding was subsequently ruled out of the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup following CT/PET scans, bringing an abrupt end to what had been a dominant campaign.
He improved with every effort throughout that preparation, which culminated in a dominant Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes victory prior to a spell.
In the process, Sir Delius reaffirmed himself as Australia’s premier middle-distance galloper and one of the standout weight-for-age performers in the country.
While well found in this market after that memorable victory, he is still the safest on-top selection as far as Cox Plate futures selections go for 2026.
2026 Cox Plate Next Best Bet - Half Yours
His progression throughout 2025 was outstanding, with his first stakes win coming via the Caloundra Cup before a freshen-up.
The gelding returned to produce a dominant Group 3 Naturalism Stakes romp at Caulfield, confirming his emergence as a genuine staying prospect.
He would have gone close with more intent in the Turnbull Stakes, taken out by Sir Delius, before spiking afterwards when completing a Caulfield and Melbourne Cup double.
Both 2026 appearances have been sound, the latest a fourth in the Hollindale Stakes over 1800m, and there is room to improve off that into the Brisbane winter.
He has the class to measure up at weight-for-age level over 2000m, with the Cox Plate potentially the right lead-up should connections choose to defend his Melbourne Cup title.
2026 Cox Plate Value Bet - Autumn Boy
Chris Waller has been the dominant trainer in the Cox Plate in recent years, with six of the last 11 winners, including the last two with Via Sistina.
While he prepares Autumn Boy, the colt is yet to establish himself in the weight-for-age ranks, although there is certainly a platform to do so given he remains lightly raced.
The 2000m trip proved his sweet spot in autumn when taking out the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas in impressive fashion.
He was well beaten either side of that when runner-up to what looks a potential superstar in Sheza Alibi, although both of those runs came over a mile.
The pair are unlikely to clash heading towards the spring with Sheza Alibi likely to target The Golden Eagle, and with further progression going forward, Autumn Boy is not without claims in the Cox Plate.
2026 Cox Plate Betting Odds
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Sir Delius | $3.40 |
| Aeliana | $4.60 |
| Calandagan | $4.60 |
| Autumn Glow | $8.00 |
| Sheza Alibi | $8.00 |
| Half Yours | $11.00 |
| Barnavara | $15.00 |
| Ceolwulf | $15.00 |
| Pride Of Jenni | $15.00 |
| Yellow Jersey | $15.00 |
| Autumn Boy | $26.00 |
| Birdman | $26.00 |
| Buckaroo | $26.00 |
| Campione Ditalia | $26.00 |
| Fireball | $26.00 |
| Green Spaces | $26.00 |
| Guest House | $26.00 |
| Idle Flyer | $26.00 |
| Lindermann | $26.00 |
| Masquerade Ball | $26.00 |
| Mr Brightside | $26.00 |
| Ohope Wins | $26.00 |
| Treasurethe Moment | $26.00 |
| Well Written | $26.00 |
| Zambardo | $26.00 |
| Tom Kitten | $34.00 |
| Wootton Verni | $34.00 |
| Others | $51.00+ |
Odds provided by EliteBet & correct on 11/05/2026.
Verdict
Our tips for the 2026 Cox Plate are:
Sir Delius
To Win
$3.40 - 3 Units
Lightning fast betting
Join with code BETSAU
18+. T&Cs apply
Half Yours
Each Way
$11.00 - 2 Units
Lightning fast betting
Join with code BETSAU
18+. T&Cs apply
Autumn Boy
Each Way
$26.00 - 1 Unit
Lightning fast betting
Join with code BETSAU
18+. T&Cs apply
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
26 June 2026
- Ballarat Synthetic - June 26 -
- Horse Racing
- Balaklava - June 26 -
- Horse Racing
- Tamworth - June 26 -
- Horse Racing
- Gold Coast Titans vs Canterbury Bulldogs -
- Rugby League
- Hawthorn Hawks vs Greater Western Sydney Giants -
- AFL
- Brisbane Broncos vs Sydney Roosters -
- Rugby League
- Norway v France -
- Soccer
27 June 2026
- Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia -
- Soccer
- Uruguay v Spain -
- Soccer
- Caulfield- June 27 -
- Horse Racing
- Morphettville - June 27 -
- Horse Racing
- Carlton Blues vs West Coast Eagles -
- AFL
- Rosehill - June 27 -
- Horse Racing
- Tattersall's Tiara -
- Horse Racing
- Dolphins vs New Zealand Warriors -
- Rugby League
- Belmont - June 27 -
- Horse Racing
- Collingwood Magpies vs Richmond Tigers -
- AFL
- North QLD Cowboys vs Penrith Panthers -
- Rugby League
- Port Adelaide Power vs Adelaide Crows -
- AFL
- Manly Sea Eagles vs Melbourne Storm -
- Rugby League
28 June 2026
- Canberra Raiders vs St George Illawarra Dragons -
- Rugby League
- North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Essendon Bombers -
- AFL
- Newcastle Knights vs Wests Tigers -
- Rugby League
- Fremantle Dockers vs Gold Coast Suns -
- AFL
- F1 Austrian Grand Prix 2026 -
- Formula 1
Load More
