Cox Plate LIVE: All the race action from Moonee Valley as Via Sistina firms as favourite

Champion jockey James McDonald jests he would have taken a second fall from Via Sistina if it meant another record-breaking victory in the $6 million Cox Plate and a sought-after slice of history.

A far smoother preparation for Saturday’s 2040m Group 1 feature means the star hoop won’t have to survive such a dangerous prelude this time if he is to triumph in Australasia’s weight-for-age championship for the fourth consecutive year.

The near-perfect build-up doesn’t guarantee Via Sistina will set any fresh marks after last year’s record-equalling eight-length victory in a time that beat legendary mare Winx’s previous best by almost two seconds.

But it does ensure McDonald a huge shot at glory aboard the defending champion and raging favourite, in what will be the final running of the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley before the quirky, rectangular racecourse undergoes a $220 million redevelopment.

“It would be such a thrill to win it, especially being the last one,” 120-time Group 1 winner McDonald said.

“It’s rich in history, and we’ve seen some unbelievable champions grace the turf here.

“It’s going to be sad to see it go, but it would be lovely to win the last running of the Cox Plate (in the traditional configuration).”

Via Sistina was a beaten favourite at her two most recent starts – both Group 1 contests at Flemington.

But McDonald, widely known as “J-Mac”, insists the eight-year-old mare is in as good condition as 12 months ago, when she recovered from throwing the jockey in trackwork just four days out from her Cox Plate demolition job.

“I might have taken another tumble for that result,” McDonald said.

“She’s going well. We just haven’t had the right set-up for her to show her best, and normally a Cox Plate will do that.

“It’s a phenomenal race and something that we really cherish being a part of, and there’s obviously going to be (eight) competitors that are all gunning for the same glory.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge, and I’m pretty happy with how she’s felt.”

The Cox Plate field was weakened when previous favourite Sir Delius was ruled out, deemed at “heightened risk of injury” under Racing Victoria’s controversial veterinary protocols.

AAP