Winx is currently available at 2016 George Main Stakes odds of $1.10, but the dominant favourite will be inspected on course at Royal Randwick this morning following a minor issue this morning.
Winx has the opportunity to record another Group 1 victory in the George Main Stakes at Royal Randwick this afternoon. Photo by: Steve Hart
Trainer Chris Waller advised Racing New South Wales stewards this morning that Winx had suffered a minor abrasion to her near side knee.
Waller confirmed that Winx had been passed fit to run by his stable vet, but the outstanding mare will still be inspected on course before she is cleared to take her place in the 2016 George Main Stakes field.
The George Main Stakes field has already been effected by scratchings following the withdrawals of both Tosen Stardom and Le Romain.
Tosen Stardom was scratched after he cut his leg during his float ride from Melbourne to Sydney, while Kris Lees elected to run Le Romain in the Cameron Handicap at Newcastle yesterday where he finished second behind Chetwood.
Winx’s minor injury issue has not stopped punters launching into the star mare and she remains a clear favourite to record her 11th straight victory this afternoon.
Hauraki returned to the races with a most impressive victory in the Tramway Stakes and he is now on the second line of betting at a quote of $8.50.
His stablemate It’s Somewhat finished a more than credible fourth in the same race and he is on the next line of betting at $21.
There is then a big gap to the in-form Vanbrugh and Chris Waller-trained Vanbrugh, while Spiritjim is the extreme outsider of the field at a price of $126.
Spiritjim failed to fire in both the Hollindale Stakes and Doomben Cup during the 2016 Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival, but he was a genuine Group 1 performer in Europe and he finished second behind Postponed in the Prix Foy at Longchamps 12 months ago.
Winx has the chance to record her seventh victory at Group 1 level following her wins in the Queensland Oaks, Epsom Handicap, Cox Plate, Chipping Norton Stakes, George Ryder Stakes and Doncaster Mile.
