No signs of weakness in wonder horse Winx

WHAT if Chris Waller did the unthinkable and provided the horse that ended champion Winx’s famous winning streak in the Group 2 $250,000 The Star Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick today?

The question was posed to Waller after Winx’s final gallop at trackwork on Thursday morning and the trainer was typically diplomatic with his response.

“I would be happy for the other horse and its owners but not so happy for Winx,’’ Waller said.

“Really, we have only one thing to worry about and that is Winx being her dominant self.’’

Waller then reiterated that all the indications were that the great mare could extend her famous winning streak to 30 in the Apollo Stakes, lifting her earnings over $23 million.

“What I’ve been thinking in the last 48 hours is that Winx will win providing she’s the same horse she was last preparation — and there’s nothing to suggest that she’s not,’’ Waller said.

“We have been looking out for obvious issues of body language, unsoundness or lack of performance and we’re just not seeing any of it.’’

Winx has only seven rivals in the Apollo Stakes including five of her stablemates, Patrick Erin, Brimham Rocks, Tom Melbourne, Unforgotten and Egg Tart.

Despite some monster bets on Winx this week including $250,000 at $1.08 and $225,000 at $1.09, the champion has “eased” in betting out to $1.12 with TAB Fixed Odds. She is expected to start shorter on track today.

Waller’s other runners vary in price from $34 out to $251 and, as the market suggests, they are not likely to trouble their celebrated stablemate.