Winx’s superior speed is down to a lethal formula that makes up the perfect physiology

VIDEO: WHEN Winx walks into a mounting yard she won’t make you blink twice in amazement with her looks. But, when she hits the racetrack, she kicks into gear and leaves her rivals behind.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 23: Hugh Bowman rides Winx during Breakfast with the Best at Moonee Valley Racecourse on October 23, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

HEN Winx walks into a mounting yard she won’t make you blink twice in amazement with her looks.

She’s slinky, athletic, but in reality nothing special. There’s no clue with her physique that she’s a superstar mare who could be our best horse ever.

Phar Lap was tall, chestnut and imposing, Black Caviar oozed power.

Winx is neat and almost nondescript — there’s nothing there screaming, ‘Look at me’.

WATCH THE VIDEO IN THE PLAYER FOR THE FULL BREAKDOWN OF WINX

In a lot of ways, though, she’s just right — not too big, not too small.

So where does the undeniable edge come from?

A recent university study identified Winx’s stride and, to be more precise, the frequency of her stride, as a clue to her extraordinary ability. Winx’s stride length was measured at about 6.5m, which is longer than the average of 6.1.

HISTORY. 🙌#Winx wins her 4th consecutive Cox Plate. A privilege to witness. #GoWinx pic.twitter.com/UPVktwmyRR

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) October 27, 2018

But it is the frequency of her stride that is remarkable.

The mighty mare takes about 170 strides per minute — compared to an average racehorse’s 140 per minute — which underlines her ability to sustain top speed for longer than her rivals.

It was found Winx has the rare, stamina-sapping ability to quicken and maintain her acceleration to the end of a race, while her rivals are tiring, shortening stride and decreasing speed under pressure.

Trainer Chris Waller admits her athletic nature gives her a distinct edge.

Winx storms to victory in the Cox Plate. Picture: AAP

“Winx is just a natural athlete and seems to get herself out of problems, so whether she is back, forward or wide she copes with all situations — it’s as if she wants to be a winner,” he said.

You can’t knock Black Caviar — she was never beaten — but Winx is so durable.

She beats all comers at a huge range of distances and she often faces larger fields, which means she’s more prone to bad luck in the run, but that didn’t stop her unbelievable winning streak.

“Many think the horse with the bigger stride will always win,” said Dr Graeme Putt, a University of Auckland academic who has studied the science of racehorse success.

“The extraordinary ability Winx has is her ability to change stride length and frequency at will that her current rivals don’t have.

“This means she can settle or accelerate at any time during a race.

“I think this makes her unique.”

Hugh Bowman riding Winx ahead of the Cox Plate

Lethal formula for success

ASK Winx trainer Chris Waller or jockey Hugh Bowman what it is that makes the mighty mare sprint around a track so much faster than her rivals and they will tell you it’s her sheer “determination and will to win”.

Unequalled and unrivalled in 28 races and looking to make it 29 at the Cox Plate this weekend, Winx has been rewriting the racing record books since 2015.

While those close to the legend will tell you about her superior intelligence and “uncomplicated personality”, there’s a “lethal” scientific formula illustrating why Winx has the edge.

Deep diving into the mare’s incredible physiology, TAB pinpointed a “disadvantage” in her style that sets her apart.

“It’s a lethal mix, well, for her rivals anyway - Winx is a perfectly built, impeccably balanced, equine athlete,” TAB ambassador Emma Freedman said.

”Physically she is special. Mentally? Wow. She is unrivalled and beyond compare.”

Winx v Black Caviar: There was one huge difference between the two

Describe #GoWinx in a word

The racing world in awe of the mighty mare

Unlike this twerp from the UK: https://t.co/Fq81kwhnH7 pic.twitter.com/XJScW4mZh8

— Herald Sun Sport (@heraldsunsport) October 24, 2018

In full flight, Winx’s stride averages 6.53 metres – significantly smaller than Black Caviar’s back in the day.

Call it a disadvantage, but sure as night is day, Winx has found a way to turn it in her favour – and it’s all down to her incredible stride frequency.

At top speed, she takes around 85 strides per 30 seconds, while her group one rivals average only 70. Incredibly, even when fatiguing, Winx maintains this level.

We then look to the footfalls – the frequency of hoofs touching the turf when in full stride. A top class galloper struggles to maintain 12 footfalls every five seconds, while Winx manages a whopping 14. It’s this part of her make up that propels her in the home straight.

Then comes the biology. Winx’s lungs distribute 10,000 litres of air per race and her heart beats 140 times per minute, distributing 30 litres of blood to her muscles. What does all this mean?

Winx’s lungs distribute 10,000 litres of air per race and her heart beats 140 times per minute

Simply put, oxygen is pumped more efficiently allowing for endurance and therefore, maintaining top speed for longer.

Winx will go for an unprecedented fourth consecutive Cox Plate win this weekend and the two people closest to her are more than happy with her preparations.

Waller was forthright in his assessment following the work.

“Realistically only two things can beat her and that’s bad luck or a champion,” he said.

Bowman meanwhile - who has ridden her to her past three Cox Plate wins - Bowman says she has lost none of her powers.

“I think it’s a draw that, depending on how the race is run, I can ride Winx to suit her and suit the race,” he said.

“I’ll have her comfortable as I always do.

“Is she better, it’s very hard to judge but I don’t think she’s gone backwards. “I’m a little more comfortable this year than I was last year.”