Winx scored the most dominant Cox Plate win since Sunline in 2000, and it was awesome to watch. But there were so many good runs behind the star mare, so Justhorseracing has compiled a runner-by-runner review in finishing order from the great race:
1st- Winx: Had to defy history with the Epsom, but Bowman produced a pearl. Had her closer in the run than normal, and then got the dream inside run before Bowman went for her. Dominant. That’s all you can say.
2nd- Criterion: Outstanding in defeat. Followed Winx in the run and got a touch checked by The Cleaner, but he worked home strongly late and is spot on for the Cup.
3rd- Highland Reel: Probably the best ride of the beaten horses by Ryan Moore. Got a lovely run behind the tempo but was one who got checked the most by The Cleaner. Picked up and stuck on tremendously well.
4th- Pornichet: Luckiest 4th in the Cox Plate ever I think. Hooked back to last, hugged the inside and while the chaos was out wide, he snuck up the inside and worked to the line well. Was really surprised he started $61. He will be a serious WFA horse in the Autumn/Winter.
5th- Hartnell: Best Cup trial from the race. Got held up and checked by The Cleaner and lost momentum, but balanced up and was excellent through the line. Really warming to him as a Melbourne Cup chance.
6th- Fawkner: Just about the best run of the beaten brigade. Got dragged back by the tiring Complacent and lost all momentum, but he picked up and was great over the final 100m.
7th- The Cleaner: Went along at an even tempo and was rated beautifully by Noel Callow. Lost all hope when he drifted off the rail, but he balanced up and stuck on as brave as always. He did Tasmania proud.
8th- Gailo Chop: Just fair I thought given how confident the stable was heading in. Perhaps let the occasion of the Cox Plate get to him.
9th- Preferment: Solid Cup trial. Probably cost the worst of the interference, but he worked okay late. Still on target for Flemington.
10th- Happy Trails: Good in defeat. Was out near the car park on the home turn, but he was okay through the line. Might back up in the McKinnon and he’ll give that a shake if he does indeed race.
11th- Arod: Pulled hard outside the speed and when the pressure came on, he was found wanting. Not up to this standard on this particular occasion.
12th- Mourinho: Deserved his spot in the field, but he was never really a winning chance on his form.
13th- Kermadec: Not a 2000m horse. Enough said.
14th- Complacent: Three wide no cover in a Cox Plate= last spot always. Forgive and forget.
FOLLOW: Hartnell
FORGIVE: Fawkner
FORGET: Kermadec