The stage is set for a captivating 2024 Ladbrokes Cox Plate at Moonee Valley this Saturday, with a select field of weight-for-age stars vying for glory. However, pre-race drama has unfolded with a potential scratch and international intrigue.

This year’s Group 1 $5 million Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m) features a smaller field than usual, but its quality remains undeniable.

Among the nine final acceptors is Pride Of Jenni, who will attempt a quick turnaround after finishing second in the King Charles III Stakes last weekend in Sydney.

Ciaron Maher‘s front-running mare will face stiff competition from the likes of fellow female galloper Via Sistina, a multiple Group 1 winner trained by Chris Waller.

The inclusion of two international raiders adds an exciting element to the race that was won by Hong Kong raider Romantic Warrior last year.

Prognosis, a Japanese runner, currently sits atop the Cox Plate betting markets at race sponsor Ladbrokes paying $3 to win his Australian debut with Damian Lane in the saddle from barrier five.

The Harry Eustace-trained Docklands, hailing from Great Britain, also hopes to make a mark on the world stage with Blake Shinn engaged to ride the horse from the inside alley.

A cloud of doubt hangs over Via Sistina’s participation. She threw a rider, James McDonald, on Tuesday morning and will only race if deemed 100% fit by Saturday. Waller could still have two runners, with Kovalica also accepting for the race.

Two talented three-year-olds, Broadsiding and Evaporate, aim to upset the established order. Broadsiding, a three-time Group 1 champion, seeks redemption after his fourth in the Caulfield Guineas as the beaten odds-on favourite.

Evaporate meanwhile was third in that same Group 1 mile lead-up under a length beaten in an impressive effort and subsequent quick recovery that has the Team Hayes’ boys keen to give him a go in the Australasian weight-for-age championship this weekend.

Evaporate’s stablemates, Mr Brightside, a two-time Cox Plate runner and last year’s second placegetter, will be back for another shot.

Royal Patronage, a recent import from Europe, joins the fray, after being a late inclusion for the Waterhouse/Bott stable after a last start Hill Stakes third.

The Ladbrokes Cox Plate promises to be another intriguing edition of the second of the ‘Big 3’ spring majors.

2024 Ladbrokes Cox Plate Field

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