Winx still a chance to run on Emirates Stakes day

The Flemington carnival could get a boost on its final day with glamour mare Winx still a chance to run in the Emirates Stakes.

Ben Cadden riding Winx, right, through the water at Altona Beach during a recovery session this week

The Flemington carnival could get an unexpected and almighty boost on the final day on Saturday week with glamour mare Winx still a chance to have her last run of the spring in the Group I Emirates Stakes (2000m).

Trainer Chris Waller was giving little away at Flemington trackwork yesterday, but he has not ruled out another Melbourne start for the all-conquering queen of the turf, describing her chances of competing in the $2 million race as 50-50.

“It’s 50 per cent, I’m not going to say which way,” Waller said cryptically.

Another start in this preparation for Winx was considered as remote a day after last Saturday’s Cox Plate, but there appears to be a slight shift in favour of her running again.

After a wide run over the final 600m off a moderate pace, Winx defeated Humidor by a long neck after winning her previous start at Flemington by 6½ lengths.

Three days after her latest victory — a third straight Cox Plate — Waller said a decision would be made “later in the week” after taking everything into account.

“I had anticipated to have it done now, but there’s been no discussion between myself and the jockey, Hugh Bowman,” Waller said.

“And I haven’t said anything more than congratulations to the owners and that the horse’s pulled up well. I’ll put all the cards on the table in front of them considering it’s possibly the sixth run of her preparation, which is certainly the most runs (without a spell) that she’s had so far.

“I’ll put everything in front of them and we’ll make a joint decision in terms of longevity for the horse and obviously for the fans as well. Our decision will be based around those things.”

Winx was given a leisurely workout at Flemington yesterday before daybreak.

“She had a light jog on the track and was picture-perfect,” Waller said.

Victoria Race Club officials had forecast a four-day attendance for the Flemington carnival of about 300,000, but an appearance by Winx on the fourth day could boost overall crowd numbers by an additional 40,000 to 50,000.

Last year the carnival attracted 318,854 fans, with the biggest crowd on Melbourne Cup day (97,479) and 70,351 on Emirates Stakes day, which drew a record of 85,112 people in 2011.

Should Winx start, the final day may well set an unprecedented attendance higher than Cup day.

“I haven’t even spoken to Hugh Bowman yet. I spoke to him briefly as he got off the horse, we embraced and just said ‘well done’,” Waller said. “Haven’t discussed any part of the race or anything like that, or anything beyond that, which I realise everybody’s so keen to find out.

“All I can tell you is that she’s pulled up very well, that was first of foremost.

“Fortunately she’s coming out the other side in good shape. She went into the race at 526kg, she came out of the race exactly the same weight and that’s something quite remarkable.

“First, that tells you they’re well going into the race but most importantly they are recovering so quickly. Feed bin’s been left clean, she’s eating up every night and she’s had a couple of days at the beach.”

Winx, who is likely to head overseas for the first time next year — potentially kicking off at Royal Ascot — won her 22nd race in succession in the Cox Plate last Saturday in record time. Another Group I victory would take her to an all-time high Australian record of 16, one more than unbeaten super sprinter Black Caviar.

She is already the country’s highest ever stakes earner with $15,627,925. First prizemoney in the Emirates Stakes is $1.2m.