James McDonald has ridden the past four Cox Plate winners, but the champion jockey already believes one horse stands above the rest as he chases an unprecedented fifth consecutive victory in Australia’s weight-for-age championship.
With nominations for the 2026 Cox Plate officially released, McDonald declared Aeliana is the horse he believes can lead his charge towards another slice of racing history.
“She Is the One”
McDonald will attempt to become the first jockey to win five consecutive Cox Plates, having partnered Anamoe (2022), Romantic Warrior (2023) and Via Sistina (2024 and 2025) to victory.
Asked which horse he believes is best placed to continue that remarkable streak, McDonald didn’t hesitate.
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“We are sitting pretty with the likes of Aeliana heading that way and she will be a strong force and she looks as good as any at this point in time.”
“She didn’t put a foot wrong last preparation and this is her time to be a Via Sistina.”
“I am hoping she is the one.”
The comments come after Aeliana was among 103 nominations for this year’s $6 million Cox Plate, which will be run at Flemington while Moonee Valley undergoes redevelopment.
International Threat Also Catches J-Mac’s Eye
While Aeliana tops McDonald’s local hopes, he also singled out French-trained Map Of Stars as a genuine international contender after partnering the gelding to victory in the Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot.
“This time last year he ran in the Prince of Wales’s; they just thought that much of him, so he’s a very good horse.”
“He showed he’s in good form coming from pretty much last at Royal Ascot to round them up.”
“Ten furlongs is his hitting zone and he’ll handle all ground… he has enough pace to be a nice Cox Plate horse if connections decide to bring him.”
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Map Of Stars is one of 15 internationally trained horses nominated for this year’s race, with entries from Ireland, Great Britain, France and Japan highlighting the global appeal of the Cox Plate.
Waller Loads Up With 27 Entries
Chris Waller will once again have a powerful hand in the race after entering 27 horses, the most of any trainer.
Alongside Aeliana, Waller’s nominations include Autumn Glow, Buckaroo, Campione D’Italia, Fireball and Tron Bolt, although he indicated Autumn Glow is unlikely to head to the Cox Plate unless her spring preparation takes an unexpected turn.
The champion trainer is chasing a record-equalling seventh Cox Plate, which would draw him level with the legendary Tommy Smith.
History Within Reach
McDonald’s record in the Cox Plate is already extraordinary, but a fifth straight victory would elevate him into another category entirely.
After producing four consecutive winning rides aboard three different champions, the New Zealand-born jockey now believes Aeliana could be the mare capable of extending that remarkable streak.
With nominations now locked in and spring just around the corner, the countdown to one of Australian racing’s greatest prizes has officially begun.
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