Racing: Winx draws gate five and punter splashes out

Hugh Bowman on Winx at barrier trials. Photo / Getty Images

Winx's apparent invincibility has prompted one fearless Aussie punter to place the biggest bet TAB fixed odds has taken on the champion mare when she resumes at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

The punter has placed a massive wager of A$140,000 at A$1.12 on Winx to win the race named in her honour, the group one A$500,000 Winx Stakes (1400m).

If Winx extends her famous winning streak and notches her 26th win in a row, the punter will make a A$16,800 profit.

Racing empire Godolphin is looking to ensure Winx's charge towards history will be anything but a walk in the park after engaging its best horse to spoil the super mare's party.

Winx will attempt to set an Australian record of 26 straight wins.

But the makeup of the race took a dramatic twist on Tuesday when star four-year-old Kementari was a shock late entry for the 1400m sprint.

Trainer James Cummings said his son of Lonhro was working too well not to have a crack at Winx second-up, after running a close second to Pierata in the Missile Stakes (1200m) a fortnight ago. Kementari's jockey Glyn Schofield went further, declaring they could do the unthinkable and beat Winx.

"We wouldn't be in it if we didn't think we could [win]," Schofield said.

"The whole team has a very big opinion of Kementari so it will be an interesting race."

Winx last tasted defeat in the group one ATC Oaks in April, 2015.

Kementari has met Winx only once and finished 1-lengths third to the equine superstar in the group one George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill earlier this year.

His record suggests he races much better second-up with a bit of race fitness on his side and Winx's regular jockey Hugh Bowman has previously admitted the champion mare is most vulnerable first-up over 1400m.

Although defeating Winx would be a major feather in his cap, victory for Kementari on Saturday would potentially open the door to even greater riches with Cummings still pushing for a slot in the A$13 million The Everest (1200m) sprint race at Royal Randwick on October 13.

"That's [Everest] for another conversation but his run on Saturday will be a good one," Schofield said.

It was a disappointing day for Godolphin yesterday when dual group one winner Alizee was ruled out for the spring after suffering a bleeding attack following a trackwork session at Osborne Park.

"It's a great shame, she's such a talented mare who we had high hopes for this spring," Cummings said. "Unfortunately there is nothing we can do in a situation like this and she will now have a good rest and hopefully she'll get her chance in the autumn."

Under Australian racing rules, a horse is banned for three months if it bleeds from both nostrils.

Golden Slipper winner Estijaab is having an extended break, while 2017 Golden Slipper winner She Will Reign is being monitored after she was found to have blood in one nostril after a hitout this week.

- news.com.au