Known as the weight-for-age championship of Australian racing, the Cox Plate is held at Moonee Valley racecourse and wedged between the Caulfield and Melbourne Cup carnivals. 

The weight-for-age conditions over 2040m is widely considered the most pure test of a horses racing ability in Australia, with the winner gaining direct entry into the Melbourne Cup. 

This year's edition will have a different flavour following the retirement of wonder-mare Winx earlier this year. Her victory in the 2018 made it four in-a-row, an achievement unlikely to be repeated.

The early favourite for this year's Cox Plate is Japanese contender Lys Gracieux. The mare is a multiple Group One winning galloper who has an impressive career record (20:5-8-4). 

While her record suggests she'd be better suited on a dry surface, she has placed in a Group One on a Soft track over 2000m. 

Second-favourite for the race is the Tasmanian, Mystic Journey. She returned to the track in brilliant style first-up, but has been left flat footed at her past two runs. She'll need to improve if she's to be competitive in this high-class field. 

2019 Cox Plate Final Field