Winx crunched into $2.50 for Cox Plate trifecta
AFTER making a successful return to the track this week, Ladbrokes.com.au has quickly moved wonder-mare Winx into +150 to win a third-straight Cox Plate title, almost six months out from the race.
The next elect in the market is 2016 Cox Plate runner-up and the horse Winx conquered in its return to racing on Tuesday, Hartnell, paying $17.
Prior to the race the mare’s trainer said the best is yet to come from Winx.
“She’s had a good holiday, she’s ready to fire,” Chris Waller said.
“There will be a lot of improvement left to come.”
After his superstar’s triumphant win, Waller said he couldn’t help but note Winx’s record-breaking run, but he would also protect the mare going forward.
“I try not to read too much or listen too much about the records, but I knew she was out to equal Phar Lap today,” Waller told The Daily Telegraph.
“I try to keep it in perspective, Phar Lap backed up week in, week out over all distances.
“But we are not sheltering Winx, either. We are running in all the best races, but we do protect her in terms of how many runs she has each preparation.”
Such was the dominance of Winx’s display, Sportsbet.com.au and WilliamHill.com.au elected to suspend their 2017 undefeated markets on the five-year-old.
Although the fairytale would be to run down the spectacular 25-consecutive-win record held by superstar sprinter Black Caviar, Waller believes it is a matter of if, not when the great mare gets defeated.
“It’s always good to get that first race over with and we can look ahead to the rest of her autumn campaign,” he said.
“We know the day will come when she is not quite there and she is beaten. There might be another champion that comes along and takes her mantle.
“We are prepared for that, but we’re enjoying it while it lasts.’’
2017 Cox Plate all-in betting market
Odds provided by Ladbrokes.com.au
Hartnell – $17
Articus – $26
Jameka – $26
Omei Sword – $26
Sir Isaac Newton – $26
Yankee Rose – $26
Bondi Beach – $34
Comin’ Through – $34
Divine Prophet – $34
Exospheric – $34
Global Glamour – $34
Highland Reel – $34
Order Of St George – $34
Real Love – $34
Sacred Elixir – $34
Scottish – $34
Tosen Stardom – $34
Awesome Rock – $41