Hartnell second as Winx asserts Cox Plate superiority

Godolphin’s high-class galloper Hartnell ran the race of his life in the G1 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley in Melbourne on Saturday, but the best he could do was finish an honourable second to the best filly in the world.

In a race that was always going to decide who-was-who in Australian racing, Winx resoundingly asserted herself, beating Hartnell (John O’Shea/James McDonald) by eight lengths.

Winx’s 13th win on end - and her second in the A$3 million Cox Plate – enhanced the position she already held in official international racehorse rankings which rated her the best of her sex.

It also earned her a lofty place on the victory roll of a race that has been won by most of the greats of the Australian turf.

For Hartnell there was no disgrace in leading home the remainder of what was one of the best Cox Plate fields in a decade.

His trainer John O’Shea took the defeat with grace.

“She is an out-and-out champion,” O’Shea said.

“This is her track, her home ground, she was fantastic.

“We’re all very proud of Hartnell, but he was simply beaten by a much better horse.”

Hartnell was given a bold ride by James McDonald, settling just ahead of Winx and ready to cover any move the filly made.

With 700m to run the gloves came off as McDonald sent Hartnell forward to join the lead.

But Winx tracked him, joined him at the 300m and surged clear as she turned into the short Moonee Valley straight.

Hartnell responded valiantly to McDonald’s riding, holding second place after looking well beaten with 100m to go.

“I actually thought we were travelling pretty good when we made our move,” McDonald said.

“But she went straight past us. He tried every inch of the way, he responded well when I asked him, but she was way too good.”

Hartnell held second place by a length from Yankee Rose.

O’Shea and his team must now decide whether Hartnell takes his place in the A$6 million Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 1.

On a card that set the scene for Australia’s greatest week of racing, the Melbourne Cup carnival at Flemington, the massive three-year-old Archives (John O’Shea/James McDonald) won the G2 Red Anchor Stakes.

The victory meant Godolphin runners have now won at least one stakes race on each of the past 10 weekends in Australia.