Winx set for run at matching record

CHAMPION Winx won’t lack for opposition when she bids to equal Black Caviar’s record of 25 consecutive wins in the Group 1 $ 4 million Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes ( 2000m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Winx has an aura of invincibility about her these days – her last defeat was on April 11 three years ago – and she is at almost unbackable odds of $ 1.15 to win the rich weight- forage event.

But the mighty mare’s presence hasn’t scared off rival trainers and owners with Doncaster Mile winner Happy Clapper and runner- up Comin’ Through likely Queen Elizabeth Stakes starters.

Humidor, who gave Winx such a race in the Cox Plate last spring, will take her on again, as will proven weight- for- age 2000m specialist Gailo Chop, former Japanese star Ambitious and Irish raider Success Days among others.

Pat Webster, trainer of Happy Clapper, was an interested observer as Winx went through her paces between races at Royal Randwick last Saturday.

“Winx had her hard gallop on the course proper and looked pretty good to me but so did ‘ The Clapper’ running a tough, solid mile winning the Doncaster,” Webster said.

“Winx is a champion, up there with the best we will ever see, and it’s just about impossible to beat her but what do they say, you can’t win it if you are not in it.’’

Webster said he has been pleasantly surprised how well Happy Clapper has come through his race record- winning Doncaster run.

“I won’t need to do a lot with him this week, it’s just a matter of keeping him looking and feeling well,’’ the trainer said.

Webster revealed Happy Clapper won’t be kept in training for a Brisbane winter carnival campaign as he is already planning an assault on the $ 13 million The Everest ( 1200m) at Royal Randwick on October 13.