Hoop fears complacency despite Winx looking certainty

HUGH Bowman is adopting a conservative mindset to combat overconfidence despite Winx’s apparent Cox Plate invincibility.

Bowman will block out history as the super mare attempts to equal Kingston Town’s feat of three straight Plate victories by treating Saturday’s Moonee Valley blockbuster “like any other race”.

“I’m not going to fall into the trap of not having a healthy respect for rivals,” Bowman said after Winx’s connections yesterday secured barrier six in a field of nine.

“The reality is I want to stay out of trouble and do my best to have clear room.

“It’s a horse race and anything can happen.”

Bowman beamed with confidence after Winx zipped around The Valley in her final hitout as trainer Chris Waller declared that his star was in career peak condition.

“We have seen her grow from an immature two- yearold when she first started winning, to her first Cox Plate when she was quite a frail fouryear- old mare,” Waller said.

“Now she is a well developed six- year- old, quite a stark contrast to that first Cox Plate. I couldn’t have her in better condition going into Saturday’s race. Most of her work is done now, of course, we’re into grand final week and we are just making sure she is happy and everything is going to plan.”

At $ 1.15 in early betting with UBET, Winx is likely to start the shortest- priced Cox Plate favourite in history behind Phar Lap ($ 1.07) in 1931.

The joint second favourites, Happy Clapper and Folkswood, are rated $ 18 chances, with Gailo Chop, Humidor and Royal Symphony all on the next line of betting at $ 21.

“To the surprise of precisely no one, the wonder mare is the only runner they’re backing to win,’’ said UBET’s Nick Curry.

“Some punters simply put a dollar on her and never cash the ticket – they just want the memento. The value here will be finding the ones that finish behind her and, in that regard, the early place interest is in both Humidor and Royal Symphony at $ 2.35.”

Bowman says Winx, winner of 25 of 31 starts, is even more effective at The Valley than any other track.

“She does love it here, there’s no doubt about that,” Bowman said.

“It’s important Chris has had her to note at peak condition both times she’s raced here and Saturday will be the third.

“There’s no doubt loves racing here.”

Aware rivals will hatch plans searching for chinks in her armour, Bowman said the traditional Cox Plate tempo played to Winx’s strengths.

“In this particular race, the pressure builds a long way from home and that pressure really suits Winx because she enjoys gliding into her top gear over a period of time,” he said.

Kerrin McEvoy said Cranbourne Cup winner Folkswood can challenge Winx.

“It’s easy to say that we’re up against it,” he said.

“She’s a champion and we have to try to rise to her level.

“He’ll have to run a personal best to get anywhere near Winx but I think he’s a horse that will handle the pressure.” she