Winx-mania grips Australia as Doncaster sorts out Classic material

It is difficult to get away from it. There is only one story internationally this weekend, and it is unfolding at Moonee Valley, Melbourne, on Saturday.

The incredible Winx will be attempting to notch her 29th consecutive win — and a record fourth G1 Cox Plate triumph.

Most of Australia are cheering her on, and rightly so, for the future prosperity of racing in this country is being carried on her back. She is the best promoter the sport possesses.

Just about every story has been written, every angle explored. Maybe, the tactical element is the only aspect of this contest that has not been publicly debated.

A feature of Australian racing these days is the Speed Map, which is effectively one ‘experts’ opinion of how the race will be run. There are countless versions available for the major racedays.

It is interesting that most of the Speed Maps have Godolphin’s Benbatl leading the Cox Plate field in the early and middle stages, with Winx poised, about fifth of the eight runners.

Those at the back of the field begin to launch their final challenges just under 800 metres (half a mile) from home, and that is the point where jockey Hugh Bowman is expected to take off on Winx.

The home straight is only 173 metres in length, which makes for some exciting finishes. Just how well they finish depends entirely on the pace being genuine throughout, not as seen in the recent G1 Caulfield Cup, in which they dawdled in the middle stages.

Several hours after Winx performs in Melbourne, one of the most important two-year-old races of the British season takes place at Doncaster.

The race has been run in many guises over the years, the latest being the G1 Vertem Futurity Stakes, the new sponsor backed by John Dance, owner of the outstanding filly Laurens.

The constant is that the race is still run over one mile, and hence can often be a guide to the middle-distance Classics eight months on.

Trainer John Gosden, who has enjoyed an incredibly successful season, sends out the promising juvenile Turgenev, who caught the eye when a good second to Royal Marine, subsequent winner of the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp.

His dangers appear to be Phoenix Of Spain and Magna Grecia, who have both shown great potential.

Finally, Hong Kong stages a rare fixture at Happy Valley on Sunday. The inner-city course is the regular spot for night racing on a Wednesday night, but the quality of the 10-race card has been maintained.