International Racing

Cox Plate barrier draw. Someone has had $106,500 on Winx to win just under $16,000.

1. Happy Clapper. (9) 59kg.
2. Gailo Chop. (4) 59kg.
3. Humidor. (8) 59kg.
4. Kaspersky. (2) 59kg.
5. Folkswood (5) 59kg.
6. Seaburge. (1) 57.5kg.
7. Hardham. (3) 57.5kg.
8. Winx. (6) 57kg.
9. Royal Symphony. (7) 49.5kg.

 

Last Sunday the G2 Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy was run. The winner is a very brave horse called Beauty Generation who made it back to back wins in black type races. No7 in black and white, pink sleeves, pink and white cap.

 

Folkswood probably the best horse Winx has faced for a while and hes only Group 2 and doesnt get 1m2 on a European track.

 

Same day. Nash Rawiller takes out the G2 Premier Bowl aboard Mr. Stunning. No1 in the red and white.

 

If only it was that easy to assess race form.

I suppose I could point out that that she's already flogged a Breeders Cup winner, who beaten an Arc winner etc, but what's the point? This sort of stuff just gets us all going around in circles. I'm happy to say she's a wonderful mare, if you can't do the same, then fair enough.

 

The Aga Khan's Vazirabad looking to take the 3100m French St Leger for the third year running, went into the race a long odds on favourite, but was brought undone by Ice Breeze. The winner is in green, white sleeves and pink cap. The favourite in green and a red shoulders.

 

She beat Highland Reel when he was being sent around the world because he wasnt good enough to win races in Europe as a 3yo. Id expect her to beat him again now because hes not that good but im certainly not taking that form line seriously and it speaks volumes about Winxs lack of opposition over the years that 3yo Highland Reel is continuously used to defend her form.

 

Is there any horse you would give due praise to Joe?

 

Winx is a top horse but im just calling it like it is with the horses shes beating.

 

She can only beat what goes against her Joe. And the way she beats them and some of the sectionals are pretty impressive. I agree that she hasn't beaten any of our top few horses but neither have they beaten her. She is Australia's wonder mare. She can only be considered a World beater if she beats the rest of the World's best horses but that won't happen because she won't come to Europe and the best Europeans won't take her on over there. Even the great Frankel didn't go to Australia, America, or even France to prove he was a World beater.

If we were so inclined, we could just about knock any of the greats based on how far they beat another horse.

I'm happy to admire the mare for what she's done and how she's done it

 

Frankels form is absolutely bombproof, numerous top class horses were outclassed multiple times, even his maiden form was ridiculous. His Guineas and St James Palace form on paper wasnt up to much but the manner of those wins accounts for that, a normal horse would have finished last in both of those races if given the same rides. He didnt need to go anywhere.

 

Interesting run by Gailo Chop who I think won a few Group 2 and Group 3 races in France as a three year old but when stepped up to Group 1 was well beaten. Still great run by Winx! From my reading of the form lines Winx would have an outstanding chance in, say, the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot (Cracksman?).

 

AU$15,627,925 in prize money and only the second horse to win the Cox Plate three times. Not a bad return for the AU$230,000 paid for her.

There has been some chat about traveling with here next year Kenny. One of the options spoken about is Ascot.

 

That will be worth coming over for

 

A firm 10 furlongs would seem the best choice for Winx; fairly flat track at Ascot would suit as well.

 

Fairly flat? Maybe, but a very stiff track I would say, especially the finish. RP description: "Right-handed triangle, galloping and stiff, with few undulations".

 

The G2 Moonee Valley Cup has in the past been a a bit of a pointer to the Melbourne Cup, but maybe not this year. Th 9 year old Who Shot The Barman had a nice win, but they don't win the big one at that age. This will be his fourth attempt at the race. He finished fourth last year. I hope the replay works. He's in orange and white.

https://www.racing.com/form/2017-10-28/moonee-valley/race/6/results

 

Id go 25/1 on her running in Europe. Nothing to stop her winning 4 Cox Plates.