Highland Reel has finished best of the internationals in the Cox Plate but was unable to give trainer Aidan O'Brien and jockey Ryan Moore back-to-back wins in the weight-for-age race.

Highland Reel was one of three European invitees and finished third behind Winx and Criterion.

The O'Brien-trained Adelaide became the first northern hemisphere-trained horse to win the Cox Plate last year.

Highland Reel was sent out third favourite.

Tom Magnier, boss of Coolmore Australia, had nothing but praise for Winx.

"Winx is a very good filly," Magnier said.

"Our fellow ran well. Hopefully we'll go back and we'll make a plan and we'll be back here next year."

Fellow international Arod weakened to finish 11th after sitting second while French horse Gailo Chop finished eighth.