Winx on target for Cox Plate after sizzling gallop at Moonee Valley

CHRIS Waller gave the distinct impression on Saturday that he didn’t need a clock at Moonee Valley to prove what he already knew — Winx is flying. WATCH THE GALLOP

CHRIS Waller gave the distinct impression yesterday that he didn’t need a clock at Moonee Valley to prove what he already knew — Winx is flying.

The Sydney trainer sent the mare out for an early morning tune-up at the track and said she was on song for her tilt at back-to-back Cox Plates.

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“I came here without a stopwatch,” Waller said after the gallop. “I said to the boys what I wanted and I got exactly what I wanted — short, sharp work just to give her a good clean-out.

“She looked good, too.”

Winx, outside, cruises in track gallop @TheValley this morning. Chris Waller very happy with the hit-out. @superracing #sheisflying pic.twitter.com/usaZXVJ74k

— Danny Russell (@dannyandrussell) October 14, 2016

Waller said Winx was back bigger and stronger than last year, when she trounced her rivals by four lengths, and wasn’t surprised she was the $1.90 favourite.

“I guess her popularity shortens her price a little bit, but so does the wagering dollar when they’ve won on her the last 12 starts,” he said. “But it’s good to see Hartnell ($3) shorten right up, I think that’s showing respect to Hartnell.”

Champion mare Winx cruised around Moonee Valley on Saturday. She aim to defend her Cox Plate title at the Valley on Saturday. Picture: Colleen Petch

The emergence of John O’Shea’s Hartnell has added salivating pre-race spice to Saturday’s weight-for-age classic.

The six-year-old gelding is now rated among the world’s best horses after trouncing the Turnbull Stakes field at Flemington on October 2.

Winx is fourth on the list with a rating of 127 from last year’s Cox Plate, while Hartnell sits equal 10th with a rating of 123.

Originally published as Winx on target for Cox Plate after sizzling gallop at Moonee Valley