Winx factor bolsters Caulfield Cup
JOCKEY Craig Williams says Winx’s dominance is so profound, the champion mare has changed the dynamics of Melbourne’s spring carnival, reducing the scramble for the three majors to a two-race contest.
Conceding only something extraordinary stands between Winx and a record-equalling third-straight Cox Plate, Williams says the wonder mare is impacting races she is not contesting.
“I don’t think anyone wants to take her on – and rightfully so. She’s just unbelievable,” Williams said ahead of Winx’s Flemington debut in Saturday’s Turnbull Stakes.
“I think she changes the demographics of the whole race (Cox Plate).
“I think a lot of horses are trying to dodge Winx, so it makes the Caulfield Cup a very competitive race and the Cox Plate probably not as much.
“So it’s going to be interesting to see what actually does line up in the race (Cox Plate) to take on Winx.
“It’s an interesting spring carnival with the three majors – you think that one’s already taken out if Winx turns up in good health and you think the other two are the only ones up for grabs for outside jockeys.”
Winx will face just six rivals in the Turnbull Stakes, where she is already a suffocating $1.16 favourite with UBET – and a $1.40 favourite to match Kingston Town’s feat of three successive Cox Plate wins.