I just want to get out there at the Valley. I have never before been involved in a match race such as this -- and, I have to say, I am so excited. I am buzzing.

My first ride in the Cox Plate was It's A Dundeel in 2013, and that was great. I have ridden in every Cox Plate since. But they were nothing compared to the build-up to this year's race. There has been so much publicity, so much hype.

Deep down, I wouldn't swap Hartnell for anything. He has all the right attributes -- toughness, the will-to-win, and both sustained speed plus a turn-of-foot.

But we will need everything to go our way, make no mistake. This is a tough task, being up against Winx in a vintage running of the race. I have to admit though, I have so much faith in Hartnell. He gets the job done -- and he has never been going better.

I was rapt that he drew barrier 7, with Winx in barrier 3. That is perfect. I would hate it to be the other way around.

Physically, I don't think Hartnell can get any better. He is so strong at present. Just look at him winning the G1 Turnbull Stakes at Flemington earlier this month. He is going so easily, beating Jameka, and we have just seen further proof of how good she is.

There have been many great Cox Plates over the years. Growing up back in New Zealand, I regularly heard of the legendary 1986 running of the race when Bonecrusher beat Our Waverley Star. They were two fantastic Kiwi gallopers.

I have to admit I was always relying on others for the story of that epic battle because it took place six years before I was born.

Sunline, the ultra-tough mare, won two Cox Plates, and although a little later than Bonecrusher, I still had rely on older friends and family to recall her performances.

Now, it is time for all the talk, the speculation and the anticipation to stop. It is now up to the horses to prove it, one way or the other.