After a historic Turnbull Stakes win in her Flemington debut, champion mare Winx has pulled up in terrific order with trainer Chris Waller saying fans were in for a “hell of a sight” next-up when she chases a third straight win in the Ladbrokes Cox Plate.
Winx could not have been more impressive winning Flemington’s 2017 Turnbull Stakes. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
Winx proved she was every bit the equine freak her odds suggested she was, handling Headquarters over the weekend as if it were her home track, the Sydney-trained six-year-old putting on an incredible show in the Group 1 $500,000 Turnbull Stakes (2000m).
Following three spring lead-up wins at home, the daughter of Street Cry answered the question: “But can Winx win at Flemington?”
Plenty predicted Winx would continue the fairy tale with a 21st straight win, but few would have suggested the winning margin would be over six lengths or that second past the post would be any other than Humidor.
Winx was flawless, easing up to her rivals from a beautiful position having been left alone midfield throughout, before moving past the field as thought the rest of the runners were stationary.
Extending out to six and a half-length win, Winx beat home the improving Lindsay Park-trained import Ventura Storm who looks on track for a shot at the Group 1 $6 million Melbourne Cup (3200m) on the first Tuesday of November.
Third went to the Darren Weir-trained Humidor, the last start Makybe Diva Stakes winner disappointing on the day despite the pre-race hype he could be the one to beat Winx.
There were a few unknowns in the Turnbull Stakes – the track, Humidor – but Winx accounted for it all giving the 20,282 strong crowd something to remember.
“To win at Flemington in the way that she did is just so very special,” Waller told Racing Victoria.
“It’s always a bit of pressure coming to the big days but it is great to see Melbourne embracing her and not just the general racing punters but also sporting people.
“The general public have just embraced her.”
Now it is all systems go for a shot at joining Kingston Town with a trio of Cox Plate trophies.
There aren’t any unknowns when it comes to the Group 1 $3 million Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m), the weight-for-age championship running at The Valley on October 28.
“There are so many variables in racing and sport,” Waller said.
“You try and eliminate as many variables as you can.
“What I will say with Winx, she is in great form so we have ticked that box.
“We know that the Cox Plate is not a problem, that Moonee Valley is not a problem, the distance is not a problem, nor the weather.”
Winx has won the past two editions by impressive margins, last year making history with an eight length romp home over Hartnell.
She has been smashed in from $1.50 to $1.25 in the all-in Cox Plate odds at race sponsor Ladbrokes.com.au.
Waller is supremely confident in the mare, her ability, her fitness and said it was up to the racing gods and Winx now.
“It’s now just up to the sport and racing gods and that everything goes to plan as she will give everybody a hell of a sight.”
To back Winx to win the Cox Plate 2017 at the right price visit Ladbrokes.com.au today.