There's some very likeable racing coming up over the weekend including the time-honoured Cox Plate at Moonee Valley and the inaugural running of The Invitation at Royal Randwick.
The Invitation is a new initiative from Racing NSW, restricted to fillies and mares, whereby a panel of experts select the best 12 candidates and 'invite' them to compete for $2 million.
It is being touted as the 'Grand Final' for the females and is a marquee event.
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The Invitation is just one of a number of new exciting races that have been developed over the past few years including The Everest, The Golden Eagle and The Bondi.
Down south they run the $5 million Cox Plate over 2040m at Moonee Valley. It's a race steeped in tradition and one that every trainer that's ever pulled up the binoculars wants to win.
We've taken an in-depth look at both contests and come up with our top five picks in each!
For the full list of runners and your latest odds on the Cox Plate, CLICK HERE. And for The Invitation, CLICK HERE.
OUR COX PLATE TOP FIVE
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Top Pick: No.6 Verry Elleegant
Champion mare who just got voted Australian Racehorse Of The Year, and they don't give that title away easily. Races very well, winning a lazy $9.3 million throughout her career. Was a touch disappointing last start but you should never write off a champion, and she is one.
2nd Pick: No. 9 Anamoe
Top-notch three-year-old who has only missed a drum once in 10 career starts. Being a weight-for-age race means he gets a very light weight and he put the writing on the wall for this with an impressive Caulfield Guineas victory a fortnight ago. They'll run late for the next race if he wins, as the jockey is known to thank everyone he's ever met. Right in this.
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3rd Pick: No. 1 Zaaki
Former Pommie galloper who was thought to be unbeatable until last time out when he got, well, beat. His form prior to the last start failure (if running third and earning $90,000 can be considered a failure) was very impressive and is from a very good barn. Is currently race favourite and can be right in the finish if he can bounce back to his best.
4th Pick: No. 10 Captivant
Another three-year-old who also gets a postage stamp on his back. Was only half a length behind Anamoe in the Guineas last time out so if you like him, you have to like this galloper. Draws the inside alley and looks one for the multiples.
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5th Pick: No. 5 Mo'unga
Pronounced "Mo'unga". The second of the Neasham runners who is being steered by Winx's best mate Hugh Bowman. Has done a very good job in 12 starts to date and is drawn to get a cosy run from gate four. Looks a sneaky each-way chance.
OUR TOP FIVE FOR THE INVITATION
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Top Pick: No. 6 Entriviere
A very honest Kiwi conveyance who hasn't missed a drum in nine career starts. Gets one of the nicest guys in racing, Tommy Berry, in the irons to navigate from the sticky barrier, and will be nearing peak fitness third-up from the spell. Should be right there when the whips are cracking.
2nd Pick: No. 10 Icebath
Was a $100,000 yearling purchase who has already gone on to win over $2.3 million. If a couple of results had gone her way in last year's Golden Eagle and this year's Doncaster she'd have earned over $6 million by now, but that's racing. Wouldn't begrudge her a victory in this.
3rd Pick: No. 2 Nudge
Not the guy from Hey Dad. Trained by Chris Waller of Winx fame and is as honest as they come finishing in the top four at her past eight outings. Is usually thereabouts and no surprise to see her right in the finish again.
4th Pick: No. 11 Tricky Gal
A bit of an underrated galloper who flies under the radar. Will be piloted by one of two female jockeys in this race, Alysha Collett, who has been riding in career-best form. Sure to get all the favours from the inside alley.
5th Pick: No. 9 Madam Legend
Trained by one of the most relaxed dudes you'd ever meet, Les Bridge. Has won four from eight over this journey and rarely puts in a bad effort. One for the exotics.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/TABTopics: Odds, Betting, Horse Racing, Australia
