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Winx to spell, won't run in Queen Elizabeth

Winx is going for a record at Randwick. (Photo: AAP)
Editor
4th April, 2016
7

Champion mare Winx won’t run in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes this week, with trainer Chris Waller feeling the mare has done enough this preparation after a long season.

While she was originally targeted at the rich Group 1 2000m race at Randwick, Waller made the call to send Australia’s best racehorse to spell to enhance her chances of running for some years to come as she becomes an icon in racing.

Waller advised Racing NSW of the decision on Tuesday morning, after speculation on Monday forced stewards to suspend betting on the race.

“We are a little concerned that the winning run in the Doncaster Handicap did require a lot of effort which is hard to quantify but visibly looking at her this morning I as the trainer can see a horse that although she is at 90 per cent we don’t feel she is 100 per cent of her normal self,” Waller said in a statement.

“She is a horse that has exceptional talent but I feel she only has this talent due to the amount of effort she puts into her races and expecting her to back up after a tough run in the Doncaster in a seven day period and running against a 2000m weight for age field would just be expecting too much of a horse that puts so much determination into her races.

“I am very mindful that the public do want to see her race on Saturday, but it is more important that the public get to see her race next preparation and beyond.”

The move dramatically opens up the Queen Elizabeth, with The United States to be sent north to compete with likely favourite Preferment in the $4 million race.

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