Mighty mare Winx firming for Flemington run
The odds are improving, albeit slightly, that Winx may race again this spring.
Trainer Chris Waller yesterday rated Winx’s chances as “50-50” of starting in the Group 1 $2m Emirates Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on November 11.
This compares to the “40-60” Waller mentioned about Winx’s spring campaign continuing after the champion mare completed her Cox Plate three-peat on Saturday.
The Victoria Racing Club is sweating on a final decision whether racing’s biggest drawcard runs during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Waller said at Flemington trackwork yesterday morning he would make an announcement on Winx’s immediate racing future as early as today.
“There has been no decision on the Emirates Stakes just yet,” Waller said. “All I can tell you is Winx has pulled up well from the Cox Plate.
“She went into the Cox Plate weighing 526kg and came out exactly the same weight, which is quite remarkable, because she puts so much effort into her races.
“We gave her a couple of days at the beach since the Cox Plate and this morning she went out on to the track for a light jog and she looks picture perfect.”
Waller admitted he had not had a chance to discuss Winx’s Cox Plate win and future plans for the great mare with jockey Hugh Bowman or the mare’s owners, Peter Tighe and Debbie Kepitis.
“I hope to meet up with them in the next day or two and I will put all the cards on the table,” Waller said. “We need to consider if she goes to the Emirates it will be her sixth run this preparation, which is the most she has had so far.
“We will make a joint decision that takes into account the longevity of the horse and also for her fans.”