GURU’S VERDICT: WINX IN BEST FORM OF HER CAREER

WONDER mare Winx’s stunning win in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick on Saturday equalled her career best rating and showed she’s as good as she’s ever been.

Form guru Gary Crispe, who compiles the Australian Timeform ratings, said Winx proved she was going as well as ever by winning her 25th race in a row to equal Black Caviar’s record.

Winx returned a 134 Timeform rating in the Queen Elizabeth, which equalled her performance in the George Ryder Stakes last year.

Crispe said Winx had maintained her form at a very high level for three years and was adamant there were no signs her ability was diminishing.

“The evidence shows that at the age of six Winx remains as good as she has ever been,’’ Crispe said. “There is nothing to suggest she can’t improve her ratings next season, either.’’

Indications from trainer Chris Waller are that Winx will race next season, giving her a chance to raise her Timeform rating and join Black Caviar as the greatest mare of all.

“There is a lot of debate now about how Winx compares to Black Caviar, and Phar Lap for that matter,’’ Crispe said.

“This is an emotive argument because everyone who follows racing has an opinion but Timeform ratings, which have been around since 1948, are recognised as the global standard for measurement of thoroughbred racehorse performance and have a process to compare the champions.

“Black Caviar, during her unbeaten 25-race career, reached a rating of 136, which makes her equal top-rated filly or mare in Timeform history, alongside European champions Allez France and Habibti.

“Winx has threatened to get to that level a few times in her career but remains just shy of it .’’

Crispe said Winx’s win in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes was electrifying. The steady early race tempo added further merit to Winx’s win as she scored by a wide margin.