The Cox Plate build-up was buzzing with anticipation for what Via Sistina might bring, especially after her jaw-dropping solo performance earlier in the week. Ahead of Saturday’s race, she had already captured headlines, galloping two-and-a-half jockey-less laps of The Valley circuit after unseating James McDonald. Her impressive speed set a record for the 2040-meter course, firmly planting her in racing folklore before the contenders even hit the track.

Once the race began, Via Sistina delivered on all fronts, overshadowing even her sensational Tuesday morning display. She bolted out of the gates, establishing a pace and dominance rarely seen, surpassing previous champions, including Winx, with an eight-length victory. It was the kind of performance that set a new bar and left many wondering if Winx herself would have been proud of such a feat.

Looking ahead, the Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington seems a likely target, yet her incredible performance has fans speculating about the Melbourne Cup. The notion of following in the footsteps of iconic mares like Makybe Diva and Verry Elleegant, who both made their mark in the Cox Plate before tackling the Melbourne marathon, feels within reach. The next step could see Via Sistina solidify her reputation even further on one of racing’s grandest stages.

Yulong’s investment in Via Sistina, around $5.6 million, has certainly paid off. Her eight-length win over Prognosis, a horse with a world rating of 120, underscored her superiority, and Yulong’s general manager Vin Cox acknowledged the astonishing performance. “You don’t ever expect to win a race like the Cox Plate in that fashion,” Cox said, “Course-record time and blew it apart. It was stunning.” For now, Yulong’s team celebrates the victory, while the racing world eagerly awaits whether Via Sistina will take on the Melbourne Cup, posing a daunting challenge for any rival brave enough to stand in her way.