Overseas win stops Winx in her tracks

CHAMPION jockey Greg Childs has said Australia’s star of the turf Winx must win overseas before she could lay claim to the title of a super champion.

The retired Childs won 72 Group 1s in a decorated career and was well known for his association with dual Cox Plate winner Sunline.

“People ask me what was the best horse you rode between Northerly and Sunline,” he said.

“I say Sunline only due to the fact that Sunline did travel in three different countries and win, where Northerly, he didn’t. I think that is what Winx has got to do.

“I mean, sure, if she wins the Cox Plate (a third time), well, game over, but she also needs to be that super champion to win overseas.”

Winx is likely to head overseas next year after a tilt at a third consecutive

Cox Plate this spring.

Childs won two Cox Plates on Sunline in 1999-2000 before Northerly ruined the great mare’s bid for a third consecutive triumph.

Winx is a $1.50 favourite to join Kingston Town as a threetime winner, but Childs said she was not over the line yet.

“Winx does look to have a mortgage on it, and I agree, but you just never know from those three-year-olds that can strengthen up from a little bit of time out coming back as four-year-olds,” he said.

“Something usually comes out of the woodwork, maybe a horse internationally, maybe something coming from New Zealand, but at this stage I don’t think there is much in New Zealand. Her lead-up form will be important to see how she performs.”

Winx finished third in her first trial of her campaign at Randwick on Monday and will return to racing in the Group 2 Warwick Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on August 19.