The eyes of the racing world are firmly fixed on Winx in the lead-up to the George Ryder Stakes as the champion mare prepares for her final ever run at her home track of Rosehill before retiring in April. Join The Roar for live updates and our rolling blog from 3pm (AEDT).
Winx’s place in the annals of racing history is already secure – the 7-year-old’s Australian record of 31 straight victories (and counting) is going to be tough to surpass.
But much like her predecessor at the top of Australian racing, Black Caviar, who won 25 consecutive races before retiring undefeated back in 2013, it would enrich the legacy for Winx’s winning streak to remain unbroken as she leaves the track for the last time.
The champ is a staggering $1.07 favourite for her last ever run at Rosehill, and remarkably, an expected betting plunge in the hours leading up to the race could see those odds lower even further.
A win would make it four at the George Ryder stakes, to match her four at the Cox Plate and the Chipping Norton Stakes – all unlikely to be beaten anytime soon.
Much like in every Winx race since her winning streak began to take the world by storm, there is little love for the rest of the field, either with the punters or in the hearts of onlookers.
Ringerdingding is a good chance of placing, with a series of placings in the lead-up events, while Land of Plenty won at Toorak in 2018 and is a definite contender.
But who are we kidding, there’s only one horse in this one that will have everyone’s attention, and like most of the racing world, we’d be absolutely staggered if she didn’t produce another mesmerising finish to take out win number 32.
Prediction
Winx to win – again.
Can the champ make it 24 Group 1 wins and add another million to her already overflowing race winnings?
Or will we see one of the great upsets in racing history as an underdog ends the celebrated run?
Tune into The Roar’s live coverage of the George Ryder takes from 3pm (AEDT), and be sure to leave us your thoughts in the comments section below.
Time: 3.05pm (AEDT)
Racecourse: Rosehill
TV: 7 Network, Sky Racing (live)
Streaming: 7Plus
Distance: 1500m
Prizemoney: $1 million
1. Land of Plenty (barrier 1) M. Zahra- $19
2. Dreamforce (6) D. Lane- $26
3. So Si Bon (5) D. Oliver- $41
4. Winx (7) H. Bowman- $1.07
5. Prompt Response (2) B. Shinn- $51
6. Egg Tart (2) K. McEvoy- SCRATCHED
7. Teleplay (4) T. Clark- $91
8. Ringerdingding (8) J. McDonald- $26
9. Brutal (3) T. Berry- $26
Tim Miller
Editor
Well, we all knew it was coming. Winx makes it four consecutive George Ryder Stakes, and 32 straight wins, with a dominant run in her final ever race at Rosehill. Can she finish up with 33 straight next month at her last ever event? We'll soon find out. Thanks for tuning in, Roarers!
Tim Miller
Editor
Winx by a couple of lengths, as we all expected! As usual, stayed in the middle of the pack throughout the race, and then turned it on in the home stretch. The rest of the field never stood a chance. Brutal second and Dreamforce third, but they were all playing for second in the end!
Tim Miller
Editor
Winx turns on the gas, and the other horses fall away!
Tim Miller
Editor
Winx up to fourth at the turn.
Tim Miller
Editor
Dreamforce still leading at 800m, but Winx is starting to fly!
Tim Miller
Editor
Winx staying wide in the early stages- poor start for Ringerdingding. Dreamforce out of the gates nicely.
Tim Miller
Editor
And we're off!
Tim Miller
Editor
Afternoon all, and welcome to the George Ryder Stakes! But let's be honest, we're all here for one horse- can Winx make it 32 in a row? The horses beginning to head out to the track- the race is due to begin in 5 minutes.