Waller taking it one run at a time with Winx
CHRIS Waller has a preparation mapped out for champion mare which ultimately concludes with the 2016 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley, but he’s not getting ahead of himself.
Waller plans to run Winx at least three more times before the Cox Plate, which will include this Saturday’s George Main Stakes and the Caulfield Stakes, but Waller knows whatever race it lines up in, it’s a great winning chance.
“Three (runs) going into the Cox Plate, that’s the plan,” Waller said. “The beauty of Winx is she’s a very athletic horse, she’s a natural athlete. She’s basically there to turn up and run her best every time.
“I like to take one run at a time. Let them tell you how they’re coping with race day pressures.”
Despite being the $1.15 favourite at Sportsbet for the George Main Stakes, Waller knows there is a possibility Winx could suffer its first defeat in 11 starts and he won’t dwell on the loss if it happens.
“Race horses do get beaten, she’s been beaten before, but it was a long time ago,” Waller said. “We won’t be walking around with long faces if she does get beaten some time soon, but we’ll be there to back her up again in the next race and make sure she commands respect.”
Waller bypassed the Chelmsford Stakes due to the heavy track conditions which would have risked its fitness heading into the bigger races this season.
“The reason we missed the run on the very wet track was the simple reason that it’s not the effect on race day, it’s what it can be following on from that race,” Waller said.
“It’s a tough run, it’d be like some of those grand finals we’ve seen where players are walking over the last 80 minutes of a game, similar to horse racing, they can all run on a wet track, some perform better, but it takes a lot out of all of them.”
Waller isn’t concerned about the opposition Winx faces and believes other horses will have to improve in order to dethrone the champion.
“I don’t put much interest into what she’s racing against. You always have to respect race horses, there’s always an up-and-comer coming through, always a horse that can improve, by the way races are run, fast-slow, wet tracks, dry tracks, luck in running.
“It’s more important to focus on Winx and make sure she’s right. If she’s right the other horses have to improve to beat her.”
It’s unlikely Winx will get beaten in the George Main Stakes, but CrownBet is giving punters the option of betting without the champion.
George Main Stakes Without Winx market:
Hauraki – $2.90 at CrownBet
Tosen Stardom – $3
Le Romain – $3.60
It’s Somewhat – $6.50
Vanbrugh – $13
Great Esteem – $13
Spiritjim – $17