Winx draws at No 6 for Cox Plate bid

– The connections of Winx say the champion racehorse is in "perfect shape" after drawing barrier No 6 in a field of nine for Saturday's Cox Plate at Mooney Valley, six kilometres from the Melbourne CBD.

Thousands of fans watched on as jockey Hugh Bowman took the mare for a morning gallop around the Moonee Valley track, a workout

Melbourne

that impressed trainer Chris Waller.

"It was exactly what we wanted to see," he said. "Most of her work is done now, of course. We're into the grand final week and are just making sure that the team's happy and everything's going to plan."

Owner Peter Tighe was pleased after picking barrier No 6 with the fifth selection in the draw. "I'm just doing as I'm told. My friend over there, Hugh, would be happy with that barrier," he said.

Michelle Payne was confirmed as Kaspersky's jockey and the Irish horse drew barrier No 2.

Folkswood in No 5 and Royal Symphony in No 7 will flank Winx, while Humidor drew barrier No 8.

If Winx wins it will be the sixyear-old's third consecutive Cox Plate victory, matching the feat of Kingston Town in 1980-82.

Waller said their next big challenge may be overseas.

"Australia is very proud of her. The rest of the world is very aware of her but the realism is that we've got to make sure that she comes first," he said.

"We'd love to take her overseas and we will give her that opportunity but only when she's 100% and still at the top of her game."

"She doesn't deserve to go somewhere if she's not 100%." – ABC.net.au

TAB will be betting on the Mooney Valley meeting, starting at 7am on Saturday. Bets on offer are Win, Place, Exacta and Double. The races will be shown live on Tellytrack.