Winx ‘will be at her peak’ in 2017 Cox Plate, trainer promises

Winx trainer Chris Waller said Tuesday morning, following the horse’s final gallop ahead of this weekend’s Cox Plate, that three years ago it was “just amazing” to have a horse in the field.

On Saturday, the Australian phenom will seek her 22nd straight victory and third in a row in the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley Race Course. Post time is 5 p.m. local/2 a.m. ET.

“We know though she can do it – she can come back and repeat it,” Waller  told reporters, according to HeraldSun.au. “There’s a little bit of confidence, but in racing, you don’t want to get too far ahead of yourself.”

The conditioner added that he’ll have Winx “at her peak” for Saturday’s race, worth $3 million in purse money. She already holds the track record for 2,040 meters at Moonee Valley at 2:02.98.

A 6-year-old Street Cry mare, Winx posted win No. 21 on Oct. 7, taking the Group 1 Turnbull. She chased away all but eight or nine competitors for the Cox Plate, for which wagers on her are down to $1.15 returned per $1 wagered in Australia. Last year, Winx was offered at $1.70.

Tuesday’s gallop measured 1,200 meters — about six furlongs — in an easy 1:22.72. 

"You can see it in the horse, and the team at home is very happy with the way that her preparation has gone,” Waller said. “The beauty of Winx is she makes our job easier. She’s an absolute professional. What you see on race day is exactly what you see every day of the week with her and it’s an absolute privilege to be a part of her career.”