Winx facing wave of Cox challengers

INTERNATIONAL opposition to Winx’s bid for a fourth successive Cox Plate victory is likely to come via a familiar source — the Secretariat Stakes at Arlington, Chicago, on Sunday week.

The Group 1 race that catapulted Adelaide to Moonee Valley victory in 2014 and Highland Reel to third place behind Winx a year later is the pathway for several Aidan O’Brien contenders.

With less than 100 days until Winx tries to become the first horse to win four Cox Plates, O’Brien has seven nominations for the 2000m Secretariat for three-year-olds.

The Irish trainer hopes one or more of Amedeo Modigliani, Kew Gardens, Rostropovich, Seahenge, The Pentagon, Threeandfourpence and Zabriskie can earn the right to travel to Moonee Valley.

O’Brien’s Adelaide and Highland Reel both won the Secretariat and The Taj Mahal ran second in the Secretariat last season before snaring the Group 2 Zipping Classic at Sandown.

The October 27 Cox Plate is expected to feature Godolphin’s Benbatl and other raiders after the international picture became clearer at the weekend.

Poet’s Word, one of 13 international stars invited to challenge Winx, is unlikely to travel after his victory in the 2400m King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot yesterday.

Sir Michael Stoute’s star overcame stablemate Crystal Ocean in a desperate finish and is now joint second favourite for the 2400m Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp, Paris, on October 7.

Another option open to Stoute is the 2400m Breeders’ Cup Turf on November 3 at Churchill Downs, Kentucky.

Winx is TAB’s $1.50 favourite for the Cox Plate ahead of Humidor ($15), who chased home the mare last spring.

Benbatl ($26) is on the fourth line of betting with Mick Price’s Grunt, who galloped with stablemate Mighty Boss at Caulfield on Saturday.

Six horses have already arrived at the Werribee quarantine station, including Hush Winter, Tosen Basil and Admire Robson.

The bulk of international runners will land in late September in readiness for the October 20 Caulfield Cup and November 6 Melbourne Cup.