Big rival for Winx in march to glory

RACING empire Godolphin is looking to ensure Winx’s charge towards history will be anything but a walk in the park after engaging its best horse to spoil the super mare’s party.

Winx will attempt to set an Australian record of 26 straight wins when she lines up in the $200,000 Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

But the make-up of the race took a dramatic twist yesterday when a full field of 14 horses was announced — with star four-year-old Kementari a shock late entry.

Trainer James Cummings said his son of Lonhro was working too well not to have a crack at Winx second-up, after running a close second to Pierata in the Missile Stakes (1200m) a fortnight ago.

Kementari’s jockey Glyn Schofield went further, declaring they could do the unthinkable and beat Winx.

“We wouldn’t be in it if we didn’t think we could [win],” Schofield said.

“Clearly he’s a very, very good horse so why can’t he?

“No horse is unbeatable. She’s been beaten before so there’s no reason to suggest she’s infallible.

“The whole team has a very big opinion of Kementari so it will be an interesting race.”

Winx last tasted defeat in the Group 1 ATC Oaks in April, 2015.

Kementari has only met Winx once and finished oneand-a-half lengths third to the equine superstar in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill earlier this year.

His record suggests he races much better second-up with a bit of race fitness on his side and Winx’s regular jockey Hugh Bowman has previously admitted that the champion mare is most vulnerable firstup over 1400m.

Winx eased from $1.10 to $1.12 after confirmation Kementari, who was quickly installed as an $8 second favourite, would take his place in the field.