Join the DOOMBEN RACECOURSE, Australia, for Ladbrokes Cox Plate Raceday on Saturday, October 25th. The track will host a full ten-race card from 1:08pm to 6:45pm, with the big screens showing the Cox Plate action while Doomben’s local contests deliver plenty of home-grown excitement. Expect a blend of sharp two-year-old sprints, tactical benchmarks and open handicaps where emerging talent and seasoned campaigners meet — all the ingredients for a lively afternoon of racing.
Race 1: ROAD TO MAGIC MILLIONS BOOK NOW QTIS Two-Year-Old Plate (1:08pm, 1050 metres)
The card opens with a two-year-old sweepstakes, a chance for juveniles to stamp their first mark in public. ALTO LUNA, LADY OF FIVE and I AM THAT GIRL could show early gate speed to set the tone, while MISHANI RAINFIRE, PIROUETTE GIRL and REMEMBRALL might be the one to improve markedly with race experience. These sprints often reveal raw talent and temperament, so watch how they handle the early noise. Prize Money: $85,000
Race 2: LADBROKES COX PLATE RACEDAY BENCHMARK 70 Handicap (1:43pm, 1200 metres)
A Benchmark 70 handicap brings in a competitive mid-grade field where class and fitness meet. THE ENCHANTER, FIRST MISSION and THUNDERING SOUL may try to control the pace from the front, and SYNERGY IN MOTION, MORE FOR READY and ENCUBIERTO could have the finishing punch if the leaders go too hard early. This is a race where small margins and race craft usually decide the outcome. Prize Money: $50,000
Race 3: LADBROKES WINX 2018 QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap (2:18pm, 1200 metres)
The three-year-old handicap is a test of development and adaptability as young horses step up against their peers. HA’PENNY HATCH, DESTINYS SUMMIT and MEET GEORGE may hold claims if they have a recent run under their belt, while YUNA IS PIERATA, ENCRYPTED FEELING and LITTLE FELLA could improve dramatically with the right ride. Keep an eye on jockey tactics — they often make the difference in these age-restricted contests. Prize Money: $85,000
Race 4: LADBROKES LYS GRACIEUX 2019 Fillies and Mares Class 6 Handicap (2:53pm, 1350 metres)
A fillies and mares Class 6 event invites those needing a confidence boost or a fresh target. IMPOSANT, PHENOM and HEYOKA could go well if she handles pressure, and LITTLE JEANIE, SIZZLING GAL and THINKHARDANDFAST might be the value pick if she returns to a more suitable race shape. These races suit patient riding and horses that find the rhythm in the middle stages. Prize Money: $85,000
Race 5: LADBROKES SIR DRAGONET 2020 OPEN Handicap (3:28pm, 1600 metres)
Moving into a more open handicap, stamina and well-timed moves count for a lot. CABOCHE, GALIFIANAKIS and DIABLO BOLT may try to press the leaders, while YET HE MOVES, CUNNAMULLA FELLA and FREE CARRY could arrive late with a powerful finish if held up initially. Expect position and split timing to influence the finish. Prize Money: $85,000
Race 6: LADBROKES STATE OF REST 2021 BENCHMARK 70 Handicap (4:03pm, 2000 metres)
Another BM70 gives horses a second chance at this grade, and connections will have targeted this race with that in mind. TWIGMAN, PICKO ROCKS and CAVALRY MAN might have the form to repeat, whereas PEPPERDINE, INDY ROSE WARRIOR and SPILL THE SECRET could be on an upward curve ready to exploit a small rise in weight. A neat test of consistency. Prize Money: $75,000
Race 7: LADBROKES ANAMOE 2022 No Metro Wins Handicap (4:42pm, 1200 metres)
The novice maiden showcases those yet to break through, often producing raw runs and surprising upsets. JACK BE LUCKY, LOST HIS BEANS and FIGHTING IDOL may look ready to graduate with the right trip, and KINROSS LANE, BOLD COMIC and COLOPHON could reward patience if kept out of trouble early. These races are where future patterns begin to emerge. Prize Money: $75,000
Race 8: LADBROKES ROMANTIC WARRIOR 2023 Colts, Geldings & Entires Class 6 Handicap (5:23pm, 1350 metres)
This Class 6 contest for seasoned types blends class and experience in a race that often turns tactical. WARBY, SHOW SOME DECORUM and LAST CHANCE SALOON might take advantage if they have a fitness edge, and THE LITTLE PUMPER, BETTER BE NORDY and SURFERS ROYALE could be the one to pounce from midfield if the leaders tucker themselves out. Timing will be everything. Prize Money: $85,000
Race 9: LADBROKES VIA SISTINA 2024 BENCHMARK 78 Handicap (6:10pm, 1600 metres)
A Benchmark 78 brings higher quality and a stiffer challenge, where the stronger finishers tend to prevail. KEITEL, DREAM HOUR and EXPRESS PAYMENT could use class to offset any weight burden, while CHAMIERRO, DISNEY CASTLE and ROCK HARD LOVE might be the late improver with a well-judged ride. This race should sharpen the focus as the card moves into its closing stages. Prize Money: $85,000
Race 10: LADBROKES MEGA MULTI OPEN Handicap (6:45pm, 1200 metres)
To finish the day, an open handicap hands one final chance for a late flourish. OUGHTON, THE BIG GOODBYE and ALL THAT PIZZAZZ may enjoy a perfect run on the rail, while NAVYONTHEHIGHWAY, BAND OF BROTHERS and RUSSIAN ALLIANCE could chase strongly from off the pace to end the afternoon on a high. It’s often the race of who times their delivery best that carries the day. Prize Money: $85,000
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