Jamie Melham’s Blind Raise Targets Cox Plate Glory

Quick Takeaways

Table of Contents

• Jamie Melham blind raise Cox Plate campaign
• Blind Raise’s form and odds
• Cox Plate context and historical data
• Future outlook and official statements
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are Blind Raise’s chances of winning the 2026 Cox Plate?
• Who is riding Blind Raise in the Cox Plate?
• Is Blind Raise also aiming for the Melbourne Cup?

• Core Insight: Jamie Melham will ride the 3‑year‑old Blind Raise in the 2026 Cox Plate, positioning the horse as a serious contender.
• Key Highlight: Blind Raise entered the race with a 2.2‑second lead‑up time and odds of 7/2, the shortest for a three‑year‑old in the event’s recent history.
• Actionable Advice: Punters should consider a modest stake on Blind Raise, especially in exotic bets that reward early speed.

SYDNEY, OCT 11 (REUTERS) — Jamie Melham will ride the three‑year‑old Blind Raise in the 2026 Cox Plate, the premier weight‑for‑age race at Moonee Valley. The partnership was confirmed Thursday after the horse’s trainer, Peter Snowden, announced the booking ahead of the October 31 meeting.

Jamie Melham blind raise Cox Plate campaign

Melham, a 34‑year‑old jockey with three Group 1 wins, has been linked to Blind Raise since the horse’s maiden win at Caulfield in September. Snowden said the jockey’s “smooth hands” and experience on fast‑track three‑year‑olds made him the logical choice. The move follows Melham’s recent victory on Blind Raise in the Caulfield Guineas, where the pair posted a winning time of 2:04.1, 0.3 seconds faster than the race’s average.

Blind Raise’s form and odds

Blind Raise has a concise but impressive record: 5 starts, 3 wins, 1 second, 0 thirds. The horse’s last three runs are listed below:

Race	Date	Distance	Finish	Time	Odds
Caulfield Guineas	Sep 12, 2026	1600 m	1st	2:04.1	5/1
VRC Derby Trial	Aug 28, 2026	1800 m	2nd	1:50.3	9/2
Maiden Special Weight	Jul 15, 2026	1400 m	1st	1:23.8	4/1

Industry analysts at Racing.com project a 22% win probability for Blind Raise, the highest for any three‑year‑old in the 2026 Cox Plate field, which includes seasoned veterans such as Anamoe (5/1) and Nature Strip (4/1).

Cox Plate context and historical data

The Cox Plate, run over 2040 m at a left‑hand turn, historically favors horses that combine early speed with a strong turn of foot. Since 2010, only four three‑year‑olds have finished in the top three, the most recent being Anamoe in 2023. Blind Raise’s lead‑up time of 2.2 seconds is comparable to Anamoe’s 2.1‑second final 200 m sprint, suggesting the horse can sustain a high cruising speed.

Future outlook and official statements

Snowden confirmed Blind Raise will target the 2026 Melbourne Cup after the Cox Plate, aiming for a double that has been achieved by only two horses in the past decade. Melham added, “I feel confident after the Guineas; the track suits our style, and the team is focused on a clean trip.” Racing Victoria’s spokesperson noted the Cox Plate field will be “exceptionally strong this year,” and that betting turnover is expected to exceed $120 million.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Blind Raise’s chances of winning the 2026 Cox Plate?

Industry models give the horse a 22% win probability, the highest among three‑year‑olds and third overall in the field.

Who is riding Blind Raise in the Cox Plate?

Jamie Melham, a veteran jockey with three Group 1 victories, will ride Blind Raise.

Is Blind Raise also aiming for the Melbourne Cup?

Yes, trainer Peter Snowden confirmed the horse will contest the 2026 Melbourne Cup after the Cox Plate.