Hartnell on Winx trail next
HARTNELL could renew acquaintances with long-time nemesis Winx in the Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) at Randwick next month, following the evergreen Godolphin star’s brilliant first-up victory in yesterday’s Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes.
The seven-year-old has never beaten Winx home in seven contests – running second in four of them – but trainer James Cummings is preparing to roll the dice an eighth time, hoping the fitness edge could prove the difference.
Winx’s program changed last week when Chris Waller decided to kick off the champion mare’s campaign in the Chipping Norton on March 3, owing to Hugh Bowman’s availability.
Cummings hasn’t made a final decision, but is warming to a rematch with Winx, who will be chasing her 23rd win in succession.
“I had a little funny feeling if he was to return as good as that, (then) maybe we could target a Chipping Norton with him second-up, and we would have the fit horse on the scene,” Cummings said.
Asked if he was worried about tackling Winx yet again after dodging her throughout the spring, Cummings said: “Of course ... I will place Hartnell in the best race he can win, but (the Chipping Norton) is a WFA Group 1 mile at Randwick, (so) possibly.
“We won’t lock in any plans. I don’t want to disappoint anybody, (but) I know where my preferences lie.”
Hartnell ($6) held off the fast-finishing and luckless Single Gaze ($19), with Brave Smash ($9.50), in third place.
It capped off a big day for the Godolphin camp, winning five races across Australia.