Winx draws barrier six in bid for record fourth Cox Plate in a row

CHAMPION mare Winx has drawn ideally as she chases a record fourth Cox Plate this Saturday at the Valley. SEE THE FINAL FIELD AND BARRIERS

THREE-time champion Winx will jump from barrier six of eight when she bids to win her fourth Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.

Her main market rival, the Saeed bin Suroor-trained Benbatl has barrier three and last year’s runner-up Humidor in seven.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained Rostropovich came up with eight while Godolphin Australia’s Avilius has drawn the rails.

Winx will have seven rivals in the Cox Plate after the Moonee Valley Racing Club rejected the entry of the Jarrod McLean-trained Trap For Fools from the $5 million weight-for-age championship.

Benbatl and Rostropovich will represent the overseas contingent.

Winx’s trainer Chris Waller also entered Rosehill Guineas winner D’Argento for Saturday’s weight-for-age championship.

Darren Weir will again have a crack at the super mare with Humidor and Kings Will Dream. 

She  is TAB $1.25 favourite ahead of Godolphin’s Caulfield Stakes winner Benbatl ($8.50).

Jockey Hugh Bowman revealed he was “a little more comfortable” than he was last year aboard the wonder mare.

Trainer Chris Waller said Winx’s preparation was faultless after she cruised home the final 400m in 24.39secs at the traditional "Breakfast With The Best".

COX PLATE (2040m)

The Valley, Saturday

1. Benbatl (Saeed bin Suroor) O Murphy (3) 59kg

2. Humidor (Darren Weir) D Lane (7) 59kg

3. Kings Will Dream (Darren Weir) J Allen (4) 59kg

4. Avilius (James Cummings) G Schofield (1) 59kg

5. D’Argento (Chris Waller) K McEvoy (2) 57.5kg

6. Winx (Chris Waller) H Bowman (6) 57kg

7. Rostropovich (Aidan O’Brien) R Moore (8) 56kg

8. Savvy Coup (Michael & Matthew Pitman) C Johnson (5) 55.5kg

MANIKATO STAKES (1200m)

The Valley, Friday night

1. BRAVE SMASH (Darren Weir) H Bowman (9) 58.5kg

2. KEMENTARI (James Cummings) G Schofield (12) 58.5kg

3. MALAGUERRA (Peter Gelagotis) B Melham (1) 58.5kg

4. VOODOO LAD (Darren Weir) M Zahra (8) 58.5kg

5. JUNGLE EDGE (Mick Bell) D Dunn (6) 58.5kg

6. SPIRIT OF VALOR (Aidan O’Brien) O Murphy (14) 58.5kg

7. INTELLIGENCE CROSS (Aidan O’Brien) E McNamara (5) 58.5kg

8. U S NAVY FLAG (Aidan O’Brien) R Moore (2) 58kg

9. FLEET REVIEW (Aidan O’Brien) K McEvoy (11) 58kg

10. HOUTZEN R Maloney (4) 56.5kg

11. TULIP R Bayliss (10) 56.5kg

12. SPRIGHT D Oliver (13) 56.5kg

13. INVINCIBLE STAR S Baster (7) 56.5kg

14. SUNLIGHT T Clark (3) 51kg

RE-CAP THE BARRIER DRAW BELOW