WINX READY TO RUMBLE

Only bad luck or a champ can top Winx

CHRIS Waller is adamant only bad luck or a champion can topple Winx when the superstar chases an unprecedented fourth consecutive Cox Plate at The Valley on Saturday.

As jockey Hugh Bowman revealed he was “a little more comfortable” than he was last year aboard the wonder mare, Waller said Winx’s preparation was faultless.

Wary of taking for granted a 29th consecutive win and 22nd Group 1, Waller said only two things can beat her.

“That’s bad luck or a champion,” Waller said.

“The next champion could be there waiting in the wings and be ready to pounce. So long as there’s not too many traffic problems, because in most sport you need the bounce of the ball to go your way. Fortunately her class gets her out of most situations, but you can’t take it for granted.”

Winx will jump from barrier six against seven rivals after Moonee Valley Racing Club officials chose to exclude Trap For Fools from the $5 million weight-for-age championship.

Partnered by Bowman, Winx cantered from the winning post before building momentum from the 1200m, cruising home the final 400m in 24.39sec at the traditional “Breakfast With The Best.”

“Hugh just let her use herself around the bend, making sure everything was right,” Waller said. “Just as you would with a race car before a big race, making sure everything is in order.

“The accelerator was there and the brakes were working this morning.

“There was a bit of smoke coming out of Hughie.”

Winx is a $1.25 favourite ahead of Godolphin’s Caulfield Stakes winner Benbatl ($9).

Waller described Benbatl as a “good horse” but warned the raider would have to produce a career-best performance to deny Winx.

“He’s a good horse, I wouldn’t say he is the best horse from the other side of the world but he certainly comes with good credentials and it’s good to see him in good form here in Australia,” Waller said. “He is obviously a good benchmark horse which you have to be at your best to beat, but obviously he has to go to another level to beat her [Winx].”

Describing Winx as “absolutely perfect”, Waller refused to be drawn on whether a fourth Cox Plate triumph would stamp her as the greatest Australasian horse ever.

“It’s so hard to compare eras and there have been so many great races in the world and in Australia — how do people compare your Phar Laps and your Black Caviars and many great horses through the eras?” he said.

Internationals Benbatl and Aidan O’Brien’s Rostropovich join five southern hemisphere runners in attempting to roll Winx. Darren Weir will start Kings Will Dream and last season’s runner-up Humidor.

Waller will saddle Rosehill Guineas winner D’Argento, James Cummings is represented by Avilius and the field is completed by Kiwi Savvy Coup.