Cox Plate sensation Via Sistina has soared to the top of Melbourne Cup betting markets, claiming outright favouritism despite her connections yet to confirm her spot in the race that stops the nation.
Via Sistina is now paying $5.50 to win the Melbourne Cup after Ladbrokes shaved her in from $22 following the dominant performance in the Cox Plate on Saturday.
But connections are yet to confirm whether Via Sistina will contest the 3200m feature, with some queries surrounding whether she can go the distance.
Yulong Investments’ general manager Vin Cox, who purchased Via Sistina for $5.5 million last December, said they would “let the dust settle” before making any decisions on a potential Melbourne Cup run.
“We’re not going to rule anything out at this stage … we’re just going to enjoy the moment,” Cox said post-race.
After the stunning victory at Moonee Valley on Saturday, the Chris Waller-trained mare appears primed for Flemington’s gruelling 3,200m test on November 5.
Via Sistina smashed Winx’s race record in the 2,040m Group 1 Cox Plate, crossing the line a remarkable eight lengths ahead of pre-race favourite Prognosis.
The seven-year-old, who jumped as the third favourite, could now attempt to emulate the great Makybe Diva, who won the Cox Plate-Melbourne Cup double in 2005. Via Sistina would become just sixth horse in history to achieve the feat, with these including Nightmarch (1929), Phar Lap (1930), Rising Fast (1954), and Saintly (1996).
Jockey James McDonald, celebrating his 100th Group 1 victory with this Cox Plate win, was full of admiration for the mare’s dominant performance.
“She won like Winx … it was just a phenomenal performance,” McDonald said post-race.
This marks McDonald’s third consecutive Cox Plate triumph, following wins with Romantic Warrior last year and Anamoe in 2022.
The road to victory wasn’t without drama; just four days prior, Via Sistina threw McDonald during trackwork, putting her Cox Plate run in doubt and forcing Waller to quickly re-evaluate her preparation.
Via Sistina sits ahead of Buckaroo ($7.50) and Jan Brueghel ($7.50) in Melbourne Cup betting, while Geelong Cup winner Onesmoothoperator ($8) and Vauban ($10) are also receiving some hype.
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