Winx chasing greatest mares

WINX, the world’s best racehorse on turf, is closing in on the revered records of Black Caviar and Makybe Diva.

At Royal Randwick today, Winx is a $1.09 favourite to score her 19th second successive win in the Group 2 $250,000 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m).

If Winx wins as easily as expected, it will move her to equal second on the all-time list for most consecutive wins behind only Black Caviar, the unbeaten winner of 25 races.

Winx should collect $142,500 first prizemoney for about 95 seconds’ work today and this will take her career earnings to an extraordinary $13,181,425, leaving her trailing only three-times Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva on $14,527,110.

It seems only a matter of time before Winx wrests the records from Black Caviar and Makybe Diva.

Although Winx has been unbeatable for more than two years, trainer Chris Waller has decided to use ear muffs on the great mare today as he doesn’t want a repeat of the barrier mishap that saw her come out four lengths behind the field in the Warwick Stakes two weeks ago.

Winx is so superior that she can give away a big start and still run down good racehorses, but Waller is confident the ear muffs will ensure the mare will break cleanly today — which spells trouble for her 11 Chelmsford rivals.

Waller downplayed the sig- nificance of the gear change during the week, pointing out Winx wears ear muffs in all her trackwork and barrier trials.

“In her career, including races and trials, she has probably been to the barriers about 40 times,’’ Waller said. “She does get playful in the gates but she has only missed the start once to that degree.

“We think the ear muffs will do the trick and we could even take them off for her next start. We’re just going to take one run at a time.’’

Gai Waterhouse doesn’t have a runner in the Chelmsford Stakes but this gives her the opportunity to watch Winx in action.

“Winx is great for racing, she is doing wonderful things for the sport,’’ Waterhouse said.

“She is a joy to behold. It was so exciting watching her in the Warwick Stakes. I had Ecuador who ran third and I was cheering for my horse but what Winx did was breathtaking.

“As a racing fan, I love to watch great horses and at weight-for-age, she is just so dominant right now.

“Winx is a champion and we need these horses to bring people to the races.’’

The Australian Turf Club is expecting a bumper 15,000plus crowd to watch Winx racing for history again just after 3.50pm at Royal Randwick today.

Punters at Royal Randwick today will be able to support Winx with a free collector’s item flag, handed out by ATC staff before the race.

Winx caps and stubbie holders will also be available for purchase at outlets in the general public and Members Reserve.