Sports

Winx’s incredible blue rinse of the Goldolphin stable

Unashamedly, Sheikh Mohammed says if you want to be the best then you have to beat the best. Like everyone else, he's been trying for more than three years to dethrone Winx without much success.

But Godolphin, one of the biggest investors in Australian racing backed by the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates' millions and obsession with thoroughbreds, won't stop. Not yet.

Contender: Avilius.

Contender: Avilius.Credit:AAP

During Winx's 28-race winning streak, Godolphin's royal blue colours have lined up against her 31 times and have been represented by 15 different individual horses. No stable outside of Chris Waller's own has poured as much energy into taking on the world's best horse.

"Sheikh Mohammed's made no secret of his ambition to be no.1 and striving for excellence in everything that he does – and that means you have to test yourself against the best," Godolphin's Australian racing and bloodstock manager Jason Walsh said. "Our operation is committed to racing at the top level.

"There's a quote from Sheikh Mohammed that says he never fears competition because he thinks competition strengthens, motivates and humbles you. We've stepped out many of our best horses in those elite races coming up against Winx and we don't in any way shy away from competition.

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"We actively seek it because that's what Sheikh Mohammed wants us to do – and will continue to do."

This time Godolphin have flown a couple of horses from the other side of the world for a shot at spoiling the party as Winx chases a fourth straight Cox Plate.

We've stepped out many of our best horses in those elite races coming up against Winx and we don't in any way shy away from competition

Jason Walsh

James Cummings' Avilius has been here for a while, winning four straight races in Australia as he treads a path to the Melbourne Cup.

And then there's another European-bred hope in Benbatl, who has only been here a few weeks and looms as Winx's main threat at Moonee Valley in the $5 million race. He's the Cox Plate's $8.50 second favourite with BetEasy behind Winx ($1.22).

All week Saeed bin Suroor's Caulfield Stakes winner has been hyped as the challenger, a worthy contender. It was the same with Hartnell, a four-time group 1 winner and one of six victors at the elite level Godolphin has pitted against Winx.

The worldwide operation has already won 26 group 1s around the globe this year, but no.27 would be something special for Sheikh Mohammed.

Party pooper?: Benbatl's trainer Saeed bin Suroor.

Party pooper?: Benbatl's trainer Saeed bin Suroor.Credit:AAP

"Every time you step something out against Winx you can't be anything but in awe of her ability," Walsh said.

"I think back to being on course for her second Cox Plate victory and I think that's the best performance I've witnessed when she dropped Hartnell rounding the turn and went on to win decisively.

"There's no question he's the best local horse we've raced as Godolphin and I certainly think he's the best older horse Sheikh Mohammed has raced down here."

Even if Winx has haunted Hartnell more than once – seven times to be exact – what's a sporting contest without rivals? So Godolphin will only be too happy to keep fronting up when the big 'M' lurks behind the barriers.

"If we could get that close to Winx [like Humidor last year] I think everyone will be over the moon," Avilius' jockey Glyn Schofield said. "Not too many horses have got that close to her. If thats the case then Im sure well have a lot of very happy people.

"We want to see the horse come through the race well. Hes a laid-back fellow with a great attitude for racing. Were not just taking on Winx, but horses that arent from our own backyard with proven international form as well as form in this country. We know the task at hand is going to be tough."

GODOLPHIN'S WINX PROJECT
Sheikh Mohammed's horses which have taken on Winx during her 28-race winning streak: Hartnell (7), Hauraki (5), Magic Hurricane (4), It's Somewhat (2), Allergic (2), Kementari (2), Abduction, Vashka, Malice, Sweynesse, Complacent, Bow Creek, Ambience, Folkswood, Tally

Adam Pengilly is a Sports reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.

Racing writer for The Sydney Morning Herald

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