Aeliana, Warwoven and Sir Delius have all drawn key barriers for Saturday’s Cox Plate at Flemington, while the race’s two main on-speed influences, Land Legend and Light Infantry Man, have been handed the two widest gates.
Aeliana will jump from barrier 10 for Chris Waller and James McDonald, with McDonald chasing a fifth-straight Cox Plate and Waller bidding to equal T.J. Smith’s training record of seven wins in the race.
Warwoven has drawn barrier two for Bjorn Baker and Rachel King, while Gai Waterhouse’s Sir Delius has landed barrier five with Craig Williams aboard.
For McDonald, the race presents the chance to extend one of the most extraordinary streaks in Cox Plate history.
He has won the past four editions aboard Anamoe, Romantic Warrior and Via Sistina twice, and now chases a fifth consecutive success on Aeliana.
Waller is also chasing history.
He has won six Cox Plates and victory with either Aeliana or Birdman would draw him level with legendary trainer T.J. Smith’s record of seven.
Aeliana’s barrier 10 draw means McDonald will have options aboard the star mare, who will be aided by a red-hot tempo.
Warwoven, meanwhile, has landed ideally in barrier two.
The Caulfield Guineas and Golden Rose winner is one of two three-year-olds in the race and will carry just 49.5kg .
King retains the ride and will be attempting to become the first female jockey to win the Cox Plate.