Fawkner the key play for Cox Plate exotics value

Last year, classy galloper Fawkner was set for the Caulfield Cup by owner Lloyd Williams and Trainer Robert Hickmott. He duly won it. This year he looks to have been set for the Cox Plate, Australia's premier weight-for-age Grade 1 stakes race at Moonee Valley tonight (2:40 a.m. EDT Sat.). And we expect him to follow last year's pattern and take the prize.

This versatile galloper is more of a sprinter-miler than a true stayer but that's actually an advantage over the tight Moonee Valley mile-and-a-quarter circuit, where mid-race speed is the key to getting position before the short home stretch. The stable has never won this race and wants the monkey off its back. Fawkner (No. 2) is currently your race 8 favorite at 5/2 and that price should hold up.

But at that quote we suggest looking to juice the return a little, so let's stand Fawkner out in the exactas and trifectas with a few value plays. First on that list should be Sweynesse (No. 13) at a 20/1 morning line that could get better. He's the best of the three-year-olds, an age group that has a great record in this race. Add in Arlington Million minor placegetter Side Glance (No. 3) at 30-1 and Happy Trails (No. 4) at 7-1 for extra value.

Suggested play: Stand-out exacta and trifecta: 2 over 13x3x4 (boxed).