US has keen eye on mighty mare Winx
WINX doesn’t have to leave Australia to be headline news in the racing world.
Sydney’s mighty mare is the No. 1 priority for US Breeders Cup organisers and although they concede she is virtually no chance of racing there later this year, they will be watching with keen interest when she resumes in the Group 1 $ 500,000 Winx Stakes ( 1400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Winx is chasing a national record 26th consecutive win in the race named in her honour as trainer Chris Waller prepares her for an attempt at a fourth Cox Plate at Moonee Valley on October 27.
This rules out any possibility of Winx starting at the US Breeders Cup meeting run at the famous Churchill Downs on November 2- 3, but American race officials are clinging to the faint hope of an unexpected change of plans.
“Yes, we would be very extremely excited to have Winx compete in the World Championships at Churchill Downs. We believe the course would suit her quite well,” said Dora Delgado, vice- president of the US Breeders Cup racing and nominations committee.
“The ultimate goal of the Breeders Cup is to provide a stage for the world’s best from around the globe to compete against one another and be named ‘ World Champion’.
“Over the last three years, Winx has been one of the world’s most remarkable racehorses.
“Winning 25 consecutive races is an extraordinary achievement.”
Delgado said American race fans had watched with admiration as Winx stretched her unbeaten streak.
“She has captured the imagination of racing fans worldwide with her talent, drive and attitude,” she said.
“Her acceleration in the stretch is breathtaking to behold.
“The Twitter and video access to her training, day- today activities and races have made the entire racing world feel like she belongs to them.”
Winx is pure box- office gold and the Australian Turf Club is expecting a bumper crowd on Saturday.
The Winx Stakes has attracted a final field of 11 and although the great mare is a long odds- on favourite to win again, she faces some quality opposition, including Godolphin’s Kementari.
Trainer James Cummings nominated Alizee for the Winx Stakes on Monday but when she suffered an injury he decided to run Kementari.