WONDER MARE WINX MAY TAKE ON EMIRATES CHALLENGE
WITH Cox Plate history beckoning, Chris Waller has not ruled out an Emirates Stakes start for star Winx.
Waller is elated with Winx’s recovery from a resounding Turnbull Stakes victory on Saturday and, while adhering to a “race by race” approach, he says there is a chance of an- other Flemington appearance for the wonder mare.
His priority is ensuring Winx is in peak condition for a bid at a record-equalling third Cox Plate at Moonee Valley on October 28 – when she will chase a 22nd successive win.
Asked if the world’s best turf galloper would return to headquarters for the $2 million Emirates on November 11, the final day of the Melbourne Cup carnival, Waller said: “There’s a chance, but the horse comes first.
“Longevity is the key now and how much she puts into her races, we don’t really know. One race at a time and while she keeps winning, she keeps the dream alive.”
Waller said Winx was unable to continue Melbourne preparations after Cox Plate wins in 2015 and last year be- cause of extenuating factors.
“After each of her Cox Plates there’ve been reasons (for not continuing),” he said.
“First time, she was a very immature four-year-old mare. Second one, she got galloped on and needed antibiotics.”
Waller was amazed by Winx’s recovery after her 21st consecutive victory, a Group 1 cakewalk at her Flemington debut.
He said Winx went back to her stables and ate up every scrap of food.
Winx pulled up sound and Waller described the Flemington track as “perfect” and added it wasn’t “jarring”.
The next three weeks were about managing Winx and keeping her safe.
“She’ll do maintenance work over the next fortnight and then one or two proper workouts before the Cox Plate,” he said, adding Winx was in the best condition she had ever been.
He said when she won her first Cox Plate she weighed 495kg and last year 505kg. She had got out to 535kg but will go into the Cox Plate at 515kg.
“She’s a much stronger mare with more cover over her body,” Waller said.
“Her coat is outstanding with the brown almost turning to copper. It’s special.”