Each Monday, Saturday Bound takes an early look at the weekend nominations, the likely fields and the first markets as the major players decide where they'll line up.

It's Cox Plate week, but with a twist. Flemington hosts Australia's weight-for-age championship while Moonee Valley undergoes redevelopment, giving this year's Ladbrokes Cox Plate a very different look.

Sir Delius, Aeliana and Ceolwulf head a fascinating Cox Plate market, while Randwick hosts the Spring Champion Stakes and several important lead-ups to the Golden Eagle and Five Diamonds.

The early all-in markets have been released, and there are some significant decisions still to be made before final fields are confirmed.

Flemington

G1 Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m) — WFA

Sir Delius ($4.00) heads the early market for the $6 million Cox Plate.

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained entire is chasing the major Group 1 victory that eluded him last spring. His fourth in the Turnbull Stakes was below market expectations, but Craig Williams retains the ride and connections have committed to Saturday's race.

Aeliana ($4.50) is the main challenger for Chris Waller, while Ceolwulf ($5.00) backs up after finishing runner-up to Autumn Glow in Saturday's King Charles III Stakes. Joe Pride has confirmed the Cox Plate is his next assignment, with the step back to 2000m a key part of the challenge.

Three-year-old Warwoven ($6.00) brings a different storyline after completing the Golden Rose–Caulfield Guineas double. He now steps up against older horses at weight-for-age, while Birdman ($9.00) gives Chris Waller another contender.

Cosmic Crusader ($11.00) remains in the market after finishing fourth in the Caulfield Cup, but connections still have a decision to make about backing him up seven days later.

G2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m)

The winner earns a ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup, making Saturday a crucial opportunity for stayers still chasing a place in the first Tuesday in November.

Juja Kibo ($3.00) heads the early market, with Aethelwulf ($6.00) and Pinhole ($7.00) the closest challengers.

King Pedro ($9.00) and Mr Monaco ($9.00) are next in betting. With the Melbourne Cup just ten days away, this race could provide a late entry into Australia's biggest staying contest.

G2 Crystal Mile (1600m)

Mr Brightside ($5.00) heads the early market as the veteran champion looks to add another feature victory to his outstanding record.

The multiple Group 1 winner has been a fixture at the top level for several seasons, and the Crystal Mile presents an opportunity to return to winning form before the final week of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Another Wil ($7.00) and Persian Spirit ($7.00) share the second line of betting, while Evaporate ($9.00) and Welcometotheshow ($9.00) are also prominent.

The Crystal Mile provides an important pathway towards the Champions Mile at Flemington on November 7, where the best milers will clash again on the final day of the carnival.

G2 McEwen Stakes (1200m)

The sprinting action continues with Extragalactic ($3.50) and Jigsaw ($3.50) sharing favouritism for the McEwen Stakes.

Jigsaw has built his reputation on speed and toughness, making him a natural contender in a race that should be run at a genuine tempo.

Smooth Chino ($4.50) is close behind the leading pair, with Splash Back ($7.00) and veteran Group 1 winner Mazu ($9.00) next in betting.

The race offers another opportunity for the sprinters to establish their credentials ahead of the major Flemington sprint features, including the Champions Sprint on November 7.

Randwick

G1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) — 3YOs

The $2 million Spring Champion Stakes is the final major Group 1 of the Sydney spring for three-year-olds stepping up to 2000m.

Global Goal ($2.60) is a clear favourite, having emerged as one of the leading staying prospects of his generation. Saturday presents the opportunity to convert that promise into a Group 1 victory.

Proxima Dea ($4.50) is the main danger, followed by Stormy Marco ($7.00) and Scarole ($8.00).

The race also provides a possible pathway to the Victoria Derby or VRC Oaks at Flemington the following Saturday, although individual plans will depend on how the horses perform and recover.

G2 The Invitation (1400m) — Fillies & Mares

Lazzura ($2.20) is the standout favourite for the $2 million Invitation, which brings together a select field of fillies and mares over 1400m.

The Chris Waller-trained mare has established herself among the leading female gallopers in the country, and the market suggests she will take plenty of beating if she lines up.

Verona Rose ($6.00) is the second favourite, ahead of Gerringong ($8.00) and Idle Flyer ($8.00).

Gerringong comes off a victory in The Nivison, giving her winning form heading into Saturday. The step up in distance and class will provide a fresh test against stronger opposition.

G3 Callander-Presnell (1600m) — 3YOs

The Callander-Presnell provides another opportunity for the three-year-olds, with several runners holding nominations for both this race and the Spring Champion Stakes.

Central Europe ($2.50) heads the early market, ahead of Omolong ($4.20) and Why So Hard ($6.00).

Central Europe is also entered for the Spring Champion Stakes over 2000m, meaning connections must decide whether to remain at a mile or test him over the longer journey.

Glenorchy ($9.00) and Lafite ($9.00) are next in betting. With several leading chances still holding options elsewhere, this is one race where the final field could change the complexion of the market considerably.

G3 Craven Plate (1800m) — WFA

Lindermann ($2.30) is a strong early favourite for the Craven Plate after another consistent spring campaign.

The Chris Waller-trained gelding has been a reliable performer at Group level for several seasons, and the drop back to 1800m provides a suitable assignment after his recent efforts over longer distances.

Tom Kitten ($3.60) is the main challenger, with Eliyass ($6.00) and Vivy Air ($9.00) next in betting.

The Craven Plate is another chance for the established middle-distance horses to secure a feature victory before the Sydney spring draws to a close.

Five Diamonds Prelude (1500m) — 5YOs

The Five Diamonds Prelude is the key lead-up to the $2 million Five Diamonds at Rosehill on November 7, with the five-year-olds beginning their final preparations for the rich feature.

Linebacker ($4.00) heads the early market after developing into a highly competitive performer at stakes level.

Declichy Boulevard ($5.00) and Surfin' Bird ($5.00) are next in betting, followed by Evaporate ($6.00).

The 1500m Prelude offers an important stepping stone to the 1800m final, with connections looking for a strong performance that leaves their horses ready to peak in a fortnight.