Winx into odds-on for Doncaster Mile bid
Outstanding racemare Winx is all but a confirmed Doncaster Mile starter.
“Although it is a handicap we feel she still has an excellent chance to win the race,” trainer Chris Waller said.
Winx has firmed in Doncaster betting after each of her three autumn wins, culminating in her George Ryder Stakes victory last week.
On the back of Waller’s announcement on Thursday, Winx has shortened to $1.90 with stablemate Kermadec on the next line at $6.
The Cox Plate winner is also odds-on to claim the $4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
But a start in the richest race during The Championships a week later will now depend on how Winx comes through her Doncaster run.
Winx has 56.5kg in the Doncaster as she tries to join More Joyous, Sacred Choice, Private Steer and Sunline as modern-day mares to win the famous Randwick race.
Stablemate Press Statement is unlikely to run in the race with the All Aged Stakes a preferred Randwick target for the colt ahead of a possible Royal Ascot campaign.
“We are keen to continue down the path of keeping him to the shorter races with the view of taking him to England,” Waller said.
“Although no specific race has been planned, the Diamond Jubilee over the tough 1200-metre distance at Royal Ascot will certainly be an option.”
A decision on a Doncaster start for Waller’s 2015 winner Kermadec will be made after the four-year-old gallops on Tuesday.
Waller, who is chasing a sixth Doncaster Mile win, has declared Railway Stakes winner Good Project a definite starter.
The trainer is also leaning towards running Vanbrugh in the Doncaster with 50kg.
“He is not assured a start but over the next few days we will have a better idea on his chances of gaining a run,” Waller said.