Winx leaves jockeys in race for two majors
CRAIG Williams says Winx’s dominance is so profound the champion mare has changed the dynamics of Melbourne’s Spring Carnival, reducing the scramble for the three majors to a two-race contest.
Conceding only something extraordinary stands between Winx and a record-equalling third straight Cox Plate, Williams says the wonder stayer is affecting races she is not contesting.
“I don’t think anyone wants to take her on — and rightfully so — she’s just unbelievable,” he said before Winx’s Flemington debut in Saturday’s Turn- bull Stakes. “I think she changes the demographics of the whole race [Cox Plate].
“So I think a lot of horses are trying to dodge Winx, so it makes the Caulfield Cup a very competitive race and the Cox Plate probably not as much.
“So it’s going to be interesting to see what actually does line up in the race [Cox Plate] to take on Winx.
“It’s an interesting spring carnival with the three majors, you think that one’s already taken out if Winx turns up in good health and you think the other two are the only ones up for grabs for outside jockeys.”
Winx will face six rivals in the Turnbull Stakes, where she is already a suffocating $1.18 favourite.
Also a $1.40 favourite to match Kingston Town’s feat of landing three consecutive Cox Plates, she continues to capture the imagination — including that of Williams.
“I’d love to ride Winx, it’d be great. I’m sure everyone would like to ride Winx,” he said.
“She’s back at a track she relishes and loves. And she’s had a faultless preparation as she had the last two years.”
Meanwhile, former picnic jockey Chris Brown cannot believe his first ride at Flemington will be against Winx in the Turnbull Stakes.
The 46-year-old former Kiwi jumps jockey is on Magicool who, along with Skyfire, is $301 with TAB and are two of six rivals taking on the legendary mare.
Last Saturday, Brown rode at Pooncarie in southern NSW, 140km north of Mildura.
He was booked for two rides at Gunbower on Saturday but was happy to give them up to ride at Flemington. He was surprised when Magicool’s trainer, Tony Romeo, rang him and asked whether he wanted to ride him at Flemington.
“I can’t believe I’m riding against Winx. It’s a great opportunity and will be something I remember forever,” he said.