The Cox Plate is a grand final for heavyweight horses. And like most title fights, Saturday’s showcase at Moonee Valley looks to be a race in two.

To win the country’s premier weight-for-age event you need a horse with tactical speed or change-up speed because it is generally a brutally run race. In fact, I see it as the ultimate 2000-metre test.

James McDonald and Via Sistina return to Moonee Valley on Saturday to defend their Cox Plate crown.Credit: Eddie Jim

When it comes to jockeys, you are looking for riders with nerves of steel. The field will charge into the bridle at the 800m mark, surge again at the 600m mark, and then have to find another level for the last 250m rounding the home straight.

This is when you often see the Cox Plate change complexion, so jockeys who can keep their head will ultimately win the race.

James McDonald has won the past three, and trainer Chris Waller has flown four-time winner Hugh Bowman out from Hong Kong to ride Aeliana, so that has to count for something.

When combing through the field, you are also looking for the meticulous, well-planned grand final trainers and Waller is obviously the master in this regard.

So all things considered, it leaves me looking at the two obvious horses who have had faultless campaigns and are coming out of the best form race – Via Sistina and Antino.

But to be certain, let me run through the field:

Via Sistina: She’s been there and done it before, winning last year’s Cox Plate in record time. While she hasn’t seemed at her best to the eye this preparation, I think everything has gone to plan in Waller’s mind. She’s had her runs spaced as she always does, and she is a real grand final mare. Watching her during track work on Tuesday morning, she looked to be sharp and right on the ball.........

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