The fact that the international ratings don’t have Winx as No. 1 is reflective of the bias towards northern hemisphere racing
Source: RAY THOMAS, The Daily Telegraph /
WINX doesn’t need to go overseas to prove she is the best racehorse in the world.
After nearly three years without being beaten, 22 race wins in succession, 15 at Group 1 level and a Cox Plate three-peat, she should be acknowledged as the world’s supreme equine athlete.
The fact that the international ratings don’t have Winx as number one is reflective of the bias towards northern hemisphere racing.
But trainer Chris Waller and Winx’s owners, Peter Tighe, Debbie Kepitis and Richard Treweeke, have never shied away from a challenge and are considering giving the mighty mare her chance on the world stage.
However, they will be mindful their champion mare is not getting any younger and can’t stay at this very high level forever.
Waller has done a remarkable job at managing Winx’s race career and maintains she will only go overseas to race if she is still at the top of her game.
If the decision is made to target the Sydney autumn carnival next year and then return to Melbourne next spring then I have no doubt Winx would win the Queen Elizabeth Stakes again and an unprecedented fourth Cox Plate.
EMIRATES OR THE PADDOCK FOR WINX
WINX is racing’s biggest drawcard and Victoria Racing Club officials will be desperate for the great mare to be lining up in the $2 million Emirates Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Waller said he will make a final decision in the next few days but the champion mare has had five runs this spring, her longest race campaign since her three-year-old autumn preparation, and there has been some very tough racing during this period.
Her Sydney wins in the Warwick Stakes, Chelmsford Stakes and George Main Stakes weren’t the walk in the park most expected, she did then romp away with the Turnbull Stakes before being made to run a track record in the Cox Plate.
WINX’S DAM COVERED BY EXCEED AND EXCEL
JOHN Camilleri, the breeder of Winx, races the promising Warranty, a good winner of the opener at Royal Randwick.
Camilleri is one of the nation’s most successful owner-breeders and revealed Winx’s dam, Vegas Showgirl was covered by Darley Stud’s champion sire Exceed And Excel on Saturday morning.
Vegas Showgirl gave birth to an Exceed And Excel filly just three weeks ago.
