Well not really – the champ didn’t fly over to France for the ‘greatest race in the world’ – but taking a line through Highland Reel, if she did then how far would she have won by?
Panels is the answer.
I remember Highland Reel well, too well, for I flew from Brisvegas to the Valley about this time last year to back the Aidan O’Brien trained galloper in the Cox Plate. And why wouldn’t you? After all he was trained by the master – the man who has just trained the trifecta in the Arc – and ridden by the best jockey in the world; the Melbourne Cup, Cox Plate, Arc, and every other bloody race winning hoop Ryan Moore. Why wouldn’t you back Highland Reel indeed?
One word.
Winx.
The filly smoked him, coming from a length or so behind Highland Reel at the 600m to beat him by 5 lengths under double wraps. The margin could have been further – much further – had Hughie hit the afterburners, but he’s a smart jockey that Mr Bowman and left plenty in the little girl’s tank for her next preparation, and the one after, and the one after that, and thanks to the little Sydneysider’s judgement Winx just keeps on winning and winning and will win more still for as long as connections continue to send her to the racetrack.
Highland Reel ran second in the Arc on Saturday night, beaten just over a length by a gutsy high-class mare named Found and yet another world-class ride by Ryan Moore. Winx picked him up and carried him in the 2015 Cox Plate. She would have done so again this year, and the Reel’s connections knew it, which is why they headed to Chantilly instead (they would have rocked up at Longchamp, but like the current NSW and Federal Governments. it’s closed for renovations) and picked up the lucrative 2nd place money, and a whole lot of prestige to boot.
Chris Waller must be drooling. Winx made the Reel look ordinary. Yet he almost won the Arc. She would have won it in a canter.
Who’s the best horse in the world?
The little Aussie champ.
Nudge, nudge, Winx, Winx, say no more.
About Archie Butterfly
Archie's decided to follow the dream and try become the next great Aussie bush poet. They all think he's mad. He's out to prove them right!
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Maybe, maybe not. A mile and a half at Longchamp is a lot different to getting short cuts at the Valley. If Hartnell had lined up in his current form he would have given it a big shake.
I query if Winx could’ve won with reversing Highland Reel’s run . The track was a disgrace at the Valley. Mind you, I reckon she’s improved. Best in the world? hmmm. They don’t tend to come here.