Racing: Winx sticks to winning ways and has top draw

Chris Waller and Winx. Photo / Racing Desk

Chris Waller has kept Winx to his proven winning formula as the mighty mare prepares to complete another perfect season in the group one A$4m Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Royal Randwick in Sydney on Saturday.

The Sydney-based Kiwi trainer has managed Winx expertly over the past two years, restricting her to a maximum of four races each campaign and the super mare has responded with an undefeated streak that will stretch to 17 if she wins on Saturday.

During Winx's sensational sequence of wins, Waller has often given the mare an exhibition gallop between races if she is not due to start for three weeks. He followed that practice again last Saturday giving the great mare a solo gallop over 1000m.

"It's just a question of giving her a day out and blowing the cobwebs out," Waller said. "She enjoys the day out and enjoys the raceday atmosphere."

Winx had her final serious track gallop at Rosehill yesterday.

Winx is a rock-solid A$1.10 favourite for the Queen Elizabeth after the champion mare drew ideally in barrier three for the Randwick feature.

Winx will face just eight rivals in the race in what looks certain to be another walk in the park for the queen of the turf.

Winx's part-owner Debbie Kepitis said all was in order for Saturday's big race.

"She had a great gallop [at Randwick] on Saturday and she looked amazing," Kepitis said.

"Everything is ticking over, as it should be, and the nerves are building up, as they should be."

Hartnell, considered Winx's biggest danger at $11, drew barrier one. "He has a nice spring in his step and I feel John [O'Shea] has him the best he can get him," Godolphin's racing manager Darren Beadman said.

The United States ($15) drew barrier seven, while Happy Clapper ($21) will jump from gate five.