Tuesday Racing News: McDonald chases fifth straight Cox Plate

Streisand heads to paddock

This year's Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Streisand has been sent to the paddock following two runs this spring.

After a busy two-year-old season, connections have elected to give the filly a longer break before preparing her for an autumn campaign.

Cox Plate field finalised

The field for Saturday's Group 1 Cox Plate at Flemington has been confirmed, with 12 runners boasting a combined 22 Group 1 victories.

Sir Delius heads the early market at $4 with Ladbrokes, while Ciaron Maher has four acceptors: Land Legend, Light Infantry Man, Middle Earth and Saint George.

Six-time Cox Plate-winning trainer Chris Waller has two runners in Aeliana and Birdman, while three-year-olds Blind Raise and Warwoven will take on the older horses.

Cosmic Crusader is also backing up just seven days after finishing fourth in the Caulfield Cup.

Caulfield Cup fall inquiry concluded

Racing Victoria stewards have concluded their inquiry into Saturday's Caulfield Cup fall, which saw Half Yours fall near the 300m, bringing down the trailing Ohope Wins.

Initial evidence was taken from Ethan Brown, Rachel King and apprentice Jabez Johnstone, with Victorian Jockeys' Association chief executive Matthew Hyland assisting.

The inquiry had been adjourned after Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to hospital following the incident.

Tempted's Everest win rates highly

Tempted's victory in The Everest has earned her a 106.5 WFA Performance Rating from Daniel O'Sullivan's Rating Bureau.

The performance improved on her previous peak of 105.2 and matched the rating Ka Ying Rising recorded when winning The Everest in 2025.

The result places Tempted among the leading sprint performances of the spring. Full ratings wrap can be viewed here.

Autumn Glow on track for Champions Mile

Autumn Glow remains on course for the Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m) at Flemington on November 7.

Trainer Chris Waller confirmed the five-time Group 1 winner had come through Saturday's King Charles III Stakes victory at Randwick in good order.

The $3 million Champions Mile would be Autumn Glow's first start in Melbourne.

Purton booked for Autumn Boy in Golden Eagle

Champion jockey Zac Purton has been booked to ride Autumn Boy in the Group 1 Golden Eagle (1500m) at Randwick on October 31.

Purton will be looking to upset leading contender Sheza Alibi in the $10 million feature.

Lady Shenandoah targets Empire Rose

Lady Shenandoah is being prepared for the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes at Flemington.

The 1600m feature on Victoria Derby Day shapes as her next major spring assignment.

James Cummings opens Hong Kong account

James Cummings has recorded his first winner as a Hong Kong trainer, with Grand Eagle delivering the milestone victory.

The result marks an important early achievement for the former Godolphin trainer following his move to Hong Kong racing.

Breeders' Cup coverage on Seven

Channel Seven will broadcast Breeders' Cup coverage this Saturday, bringing international racing action to Australian viewers.

Asfoora set for first date with Switzerland

Triple Group 1 winner Asfoora is preparing for the next chapter of her career, with the eight-year-old mare set to visit Switzerland during her first breeding season.

After another European campaign, Asfoora has completed quarantine and returned to Noor Elaine Farm at Euroa, where she was bred and raised.

McDonald chasing fifth consecutive Cox Plate

James McDonald will attempt to win his fifth consecutive Cox Plate when he partners Aeliana at Flemington on Saturday.

McDonald's remarkable run began aboard Anamoe in 2022, followed by Romantic Warrior in 2023 and Via Sistina in both 2024 and 2025.

The champion jockey now has the opportunity to extend that sequence aboard Chris Waller's Group 1-winning mare. Full story can be read here.