Money not a factor in Winx’s program
Guaranteed drawcard Winx is no certainty to race in a rescheduled Craven Plate before her third Cox Plate.
Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club are considering moving the Group Three weight-for-age 2000m- race from its customary slot to complement the inaugural running of the $10 million Everest (1200m) at Randwick on October 14.
It is also mooted the Craven Plate will receive a prize money boost from $150,000 to $500,000.
But trainer Chris Waller Waller said money would never be the bottom line when mapping out the wonder mare’s next program towards the Cox Plate on October 28.
“She’s a more than just an ATM machine. She’s a very special horse and it’s so important to respect that,” Waller said.
“We’ve never asked for anything from clubs. We’ve never asked anyone to put up an appearance fee. We’ve never had an offer either and I don’t expect it to change.
“I don’t think prize money will change the way we think. It will be how we best get her to the Cox Plate. That’s how I will place her.
“If there’s a hundred thousand dollar race that I think’s going to suit her at a certain stage better than a million dollar race she’ll be running in the hundred thousand dollar one.”
Winx, who has amassed $12.8 million prize money, laid a three race foundation for last year’s Cox Plate triumph, including the Group One Caulfield Stakes in which she faced just two opponents.
A year earlier she only had two lead-up races, the Group Two Theo Marks Stakes and Group One Epsom Handicap.
“The beauty of Winx is she’s very adaptable,” Waller said.
“She’s just so straightforward. I don’t think anybody should stress about where she’s running, whether it be Victoria or in New South Wales.
“We’ll give everybody plenty of notice, she won’t just turn up in the nominations. We’ve been very transparent and we accept everyone has an opinion and wants to know what’s happening.”
Winx will enjoy a few weeks out of the limelight at a spelling farm following her predictable win in last Saturday’s Group One $4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick.,
“Don’t worry about her retiring. Don’t worry about her going overseas. Don’t worry about where she’s going to race,” Waller said.
“Enjoy the horse. She’s going to put on a good show for racing enthusiasts for a long time yet.”