Defending champs divide opinion in the Twitter racing wrap

HB Twitter wrap
SPRING is well and truly in the air as the big guns begin to make their way out onto the track as the high profile races approach.

A pair of defending champions strutted their stuff at Flemington and Randwick, both drawing contrasting reviews in the aftermath.

Almandin looks set to be cherry-ripe heading into a second-consecutive Melbourne Cup attempt, but Winx’s Cox Plate tilt – which many were prepared to hand the mare on a silver platter – looks somewhat shaky after another heart-stopping finish since its return to racing.

We let Twitter tell the story as the spring campaigns start to ramp up.

Almandin firms for the Cup after stunning Flemington run

If punters had any lingering doubts about the reigning Melbourne Cup champion successfully defending its crown in 2017, we think those fears were allayed on Saturday.

Running in the Japan Association Racing Trophy, the Robert Hickmott runner scorched to the front of the field in the final 400m and put pay to its rivals in an ominous warning to the international raiders making the journey down under.

https://twitter.com/IsaacDLing/status/908948861070090240

Almandin subsequently firmed into the outright favourite for the Melbourne Cup at Ladbrokes.com.au, and the only horse in single figures at the $7 quote.

One punter noted that the value at this time is not as enticing as they were 12 months ago.

While other punters were declaring the Cup Almandin’s following Saturday’s win.

Time will tell if the gelding can join the immortals of racing but the Hickmott team made a huge statement on Saturday.

Over to you international friends.

How wide open is this year’s Cox Plate?

After a dominant display at this year’s Championships, every man and his dog was ready to declare Winx as a three-time Cox Plate winner.

Now, after three back-to-back wins that were less than convincing, the racing world is not entirely sure what to make of the world’s number one horse on turf’s preparations for the feature at Moonee Valley.

https://twitter.com/QP4Bell/status/909344087597228034

One punter noted that Winx’s preparation will be slightly different to what it has been in previous years.

Some punters noted that the champion horse’s tactics of staying back and relying on that late closing speed may not work on the tighter Valley track.

While others believe the horse should make this year’s Cox Plate its swansong.

Are we talking about the same horse here?

We understand the wins have not been as emphatic as previous preparations, but the manner in which the mare has been able to overcome adversity and still salute has been staggering.

We think it is always premature to write off a champion – especially one that has just recorded its 20th straight win – and a number of Twitter users agree.

https://twitter.com/hopkins_11/status/908924147505364992

For the record, Crownbet.com.au is offering $1.50 odds on Winx to win a third-straight Cox Plate, and we think that is as generous as it will get.

Topics

Horses Winx
Races Cox Plate | Melbourne Cup
Racecourses Flemington | Randwick

Topics: almandin, Cox Plate, featured, Flemington, Melbourne Cup, Randwick, spring carnival, Winx

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