Heavy favourite Winx has added another chapter to her legend with a third victory in the Cox Plate, extending her winning streak to 22 consecutive races.
With the Manikato Stakes done and dusted for another year, where Hey Doc saluted at long odds over Vega Magic and Chautuqua (scratched late), all eyes turn to Winx this afternoon as she looks to win her third Cox Plate. Join The Roar for a live blog from 5pm AEDT.
For a full preview of the field, check out Cameron Rose’s extremely thorough and astute comments here.
So… To the race
Winx has won the last two editions of the Cox Plate, and, as her $1.15 price tag suggests, will have to be hit by a serious case of bad luck to not make it a record three on the trot.
Little needs to be said of her recent form, she has won 21 straight, and her seven length win last year was something that will go down in the annals of racing history. Racing at Flemington for the first time at the Flemington Stakes, she was outstanding. Clearly, Winx and Hugh Bowman have taken a liking to the latte state!
Who can possibly get close?
I said with some confidence last night that Vega Magic was going to win the Manikato Stakes comfortably, with Chautauqua, one of the greatest sprinters of all time, in second. The latter of these horses was scratched in the gates, while Vega Magic ran limp and never truly threatened.
In fact, with Boom Time and Hey Doc winning the last two races I’ve called, maybe it’s another horse paying above $20-1 to win this years edition of the Cox Plate? It’s unlikely, but stranger things have happened.
For me, Happy Clapper looks the best of the rest of what can reasonably be said, is a pretty average field. He has raced Winx a number of times, and has experience racing in the Cox Plate.
The other two horses who I suspect will challenge for the places are Gailo Chop and Kaspersky. Gailo Chop is a beautiful Gelding, and was impressive last start at Caulfield. Kaspersky, ridden by Michelle Payne, looks likely to lead, and whilst paying long odds to get up, is a definite place chance.
My Tips
Winx
Gailo Chop
Happy Clapper
Kaspersky
Join The Roar for a live blog of the race from 5pm AEDT.
Nick Kelland
Roar Guru
2 Minutes to the jump here at Mooney Valley - Winx looks super settled, pretty in Blue! Locked, loaded and ready. Winx running from Barrier 5. Humidor and Happy Clapper are the last in, followed in by Winx last of all. Winx got away cleanly, Seaburge and Hardham away well - as was folkswood. Winx settles 3 deep and 2 wide - as expected, Gailo Chop and Folkswood lead into the 1000. Winx is placed beautifully though, and will go around them here as we enter the last 800. Gailo Chop still leads from Bardham, Happy Clapper and then Winx. They're testing each other now and here comes Winx round the outside, still cruising. Winx is a genuine freak - here she comes. Winx moves up and past Gailo Chop and starts to put the hammer down - Hugh Bowman starts to wind up!! Oh here comes Humidor - It's Winx!!!!! Humidor ran so well late, pushed her right to the line, but Winx wins her 3rd Cox Plate on the trot. What a race from the champion mare who has etched her name in the history books of Australian Racing. Humidor ran beautifully for second - a photo for third. More to come
Nick Kelland
Roar Guru
Hello and welcome! Unfortunately, Kaspersky has been scratched. All eyes are on Winx - we're 4 minutes from the jump.