Winx tip for top honours
ALREADY in the midst of a defining spring, Winx is poised to dominate next week’s Australian Racehorse of the Year awards.
With Chris Waller and Hugh Bowman assured of winning the trainer and jockey categories, respectively, based on the number of Group 1 victories, Winx almost certainly will become only the third three-time winner of the award.
Black Caviar and Sunline both completed the hat-trick, while Makybe Diva and Might And Power won it twice.
In Melbourne ahead of next week’s Turnbull Stakes, Winx is also expected to land the champion middle-distance award after the release of finalists in seven categories. Chasing a fourth Cox Plate, Winx is opposed by Gailo Chop, Humidor, Tosen Stardom and Happy Clapper in the middledistance group.
The awards, which are presented next Thursday, take into account on Australian tracks as well as international performan- ces by Australian-trained horses in the 2017-18 season.
Under the criteria, Merchant Navy’s effort to win the Coolmore Stud Stakes for Aaron Purcell was considered, but not his Royal Ascot victory for Aidan O’Brien.
Waller could figure in several categories — and not solely through Winx.
The Sydneysider has Oaks-winning pair Unforgotten and Youngstar vying for the champion three-year-old filly against Alizee, Shoals and She Will Reign. Waller also has greybeard Who Shot Thebarman among the champion stayers’ finalists along with Lloyd Williams-owned trio Rekindling, Johannes Vermeer and Almandin.
Ace High, who is also nominated in the three-year-old colts and geldings category, completes the group. In his own age group, Ace High is up against Levendi, Kementari, Trapeze Artist and Merchant Navy.
Merchant Navy and Trapeze Artist will compete for the sprinters’ trophy against Lindsay Park’s Redkirk Warrior and Vega Magic. Anthony Freedman is represented by Santa Ana Lane.