Winx primed for Queen Elizabeth glory after ideal barrier draw
WINX has remained steady in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes betting market after drawing an ideal gate for the what has been described as the wonder mare’s grand final.
Winx’s price was already incredibly-short, but after drawing barrier three in the seven runner field, Chris Waller’s mare firmed in to -1000 for Saturday’s group one.
No other runner in the field is under double figures.
The Queen Elizabeth Stakes will be Winx’s autumn swan song, and stable representative Charlie Duckworth said the gun runner is “primed and peaking” for the group one race.
“Chris is very meticulous with the training of Winx, as he is with all of our horses, but this is her grand final and this is when she is primed and peaking,” he said.
“She is absolutely where we need her to be and hopefully she will be exactly where we need her to be come Saturday evening.”
Duckworth believes the only thing that could stop Winx is the race unfolding in such a manner that would block the mare’s run, but the team believes barrier three will prevent such a scenario from unfolding.
“Her biggest hurdle is tactics rather than ability,” he said.
“Obviously we’ve seen in the past her ability should get her through to secure a decent victory, so Hugh’s main fear leading into it is obtaining a clear passage all the way from start to finish.
“If we drew barrier one it obviously heightens the chance of being caught in a pocket but Winx should be able to get a lovely run just in behind the speed (from barrier three).
“Hopefully Hugh can peel out as and when he is ready.”
Winx’s main rival is Hartnell, which has drawn barrier one for the big race.
So far the Godolphin runner has failed to present a challenge to Winx over their last two meetings, and is on the second line of betting at the $11 mark.
Godolphin Australia Racing Manager Darren Beadman believes the English import is in the best possible position to cause an upset on Saturday.
“He has a nice spring in his step and I feel John (O’Shea) has him the best he can get him,” Beadman said.
Queen Elizabeth Stakes Market
Odds provided by Sportsbet.com.au
Winx – $1.10
The United States – $15
Happy Clapper – $21
Exospheric – $41
Sense Of Occasion – $101
Harlem – $126
Singing – $251
No Doubt – $331