Winx 'in the zone' ahead of Cox Plate defense

Winx is set to defend her Cox Plate title Saturday at Moonee Valley in Australia. She’ll again try to write over her own history as she goes for her 29th consecutive win, 22nd Group 1 score and fourth Cox Plate.

Trainer Chris Waller relayed to The Sydney Morning Herald that Winx is in top shape for the challenge.

“She is simply in the zone. I don’t know what makes her tick but she knows when the timing is right to be spot on,” Waller told The Herald’s Chris Roots. “She seems to sense when the bigger races are on and at this time of year she is ready.

“It might be because of the routine we follow leading into the Cox Plate.

“She is just electric at the moment.

“She is amazing. Outstanding. It is great to see.”

Preceding the Cox Plate this month was the release of Winx: The Authorized Biography by Andrew Rule, a book detailing the mare’s grand career and the journey she took Waller, co-owners Debbie Kepitis and Peter Tighe, and jockey Hugh Bowman on.

As for this year’s unwritten Cox Plate, Bowman told Roots he’ll imagine how the race could play out but doesn’t like to plan too much ahead of the race. He also added Moonee Valley is a course that sets Winx up for a great run.

“The way the Valley is shaped they get into top gear a long way out, at about the 600 meters before they start turning, and it just suits her,” Bowman said. “She likes that pressure and likes it there. She feels at home around the Valley.”

Winx will break from post No. 6 and face seven rivals in the Cox Plate. Standing out in the competition is Godolphin's Benbatl. The multiple Group 1 winner is coming off a victory in the Caulfield Stakes (G1). Last year's Cox Plate runner-up, Humidor, also returns.

Rounding out the field is Rostropovich, Kings Will Dream, Avilius, Waller stablemate D’argento and Savvy Coup.