The big question for connections of Winx is looming large

Tom Walter - Wednesday September 13

Following Saturday's George Main Stakes the spring is yet to be locked down for Winx so the question looming large is, where to next for the champion mare after she more than likely makes it 20-straight.

The girls say go Winx but where could she go? Photo: ATC

Only the Group I Caulfield Stakes (2000m) and Group III Craven Plate (2000m) have so far been mooted as a potential stepping stone for Winx's historic Cox Plate treble but is there another suitable lead-up race sitting quietly on the agenda?

Winx is poised for back-to-back Group I George Main Stakes wins this Saturday but the subsequent weeks, before the Group I Cox Plate (2040m) on October 28 remain up in the air for the champion mare.

If connections opt for either the $1 million Caulfield Stakes or $500,000 Craven Plate, both scheduled for October 14, Winx would be tasked with rising from 1600m to 2000m with four weeks between runs – something she has never done before.

Winx probably has the champion qualities to overcome this but the scenario is hardly ideal.

One race that is arguably a better fit is the $500,000 Group I Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on October 7 – three weeks after the George Main Stakes and three weeks before the Cox Plate.

The 21-day gap into 2000m has been utilised in three of Winx's last four wins at the distance – the 2015 Cox Plate, 2016 Caulfield Stakes, and 2017 Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

A possible reason why the Turnbull Stakes has not been publicly mentioned is because Winx hasn't raced outside of weight-for-age since April 2016. Under the set weights and penalties conditions of the Turnbull Stakes, Winx would surprisingly only carry 57kg – the maximum a horse of her age and sex can carry.

Following Saturday's George Main Stakes the spring will no doubt take more shape but if you had your choice, where would you run the great mare next?
Advertisment
More Reading...
Switzerland Brother an Inglis Easter Highlight for 2025
An “arrogant’’, “dominant’’ and “awesome’’ victory solidified Easter Sale superstar Switzerland’s future at stud when he produced a devastating performance to win the stallion making G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington today.
Third G1 Win for Star Savabeel Mare Atishu
A year after flying home for second behind Pride Of Jenni in the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m), Go Racing’s pin-up girl Atishu(NZ) (Savabeel) returned to Flemington on Saturday and went one better for the Kiwi syndicators.
Randwick around the track with Clinton Payne on Saturday
Saturday saw the return of Australian racing’s pin-up girl Winx and after giving racegoers a genuine heart flutter, she duly delivered with one of her best ever wins at Randwick.
Bravo Centurion - How Good is He?
Ridden by Chris Parnham for Luke Fernie, Bravo Centurion stretched his winning run to six, making every post a winner to defeat Saloon Bar (Sessions) by a long three and three-quarter lengths with Crippalenko (Maschino) a half-length back in third.
Sires With Winners - Saturday November 2
Here is the full list of 137 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Fawkner Park Back to Winning Ways in G3 Rosehill Gold Cup
Since winning the Listed Albury Gold Cup in March, Fawkner Park has undergone an amazing transformation.
Back to Back Victoria Derby Winners for Triple Crown Hero American Pharoah
The Watson family owned South Australian nursery Mill Park is a name synonymous with serious Group I horses and in particular those bred by astute breeder Harry Perks and this winning association struck for a third time in the $2million Group I VRC Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday when Goldrush Guru saluted to join previous winners they have produced in Rebel Raider and Warning.
2024 Melbourne Cup Barrier Draw
The all important barrier draw for the world’s richest handicap, the $8.5million Group I VRC Melbourne Cup (3200m) has been held for a field which contains horses bred in seven countries and trained in four.
William Haggas Trained Lake Forest Triumphs in Golden Eagle
William Haggas is playing his part in keeping the UK economy afloat, taking home a further $5,250,000 after Lake Forest (GB) won an action-packed James Squire Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill.
Switzerland Wins the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes for Coolmore
After Coolmore’s $875,000 I Am Invincible colt Home Affairs captured the Coolmore Stud Stakes in 2021, it was the turn of the $1,500,000 Snitzel colt Switzerland to do the sponsor proud in the $2,000,000 Group 1 feature at Flemington on Saturday.