Winx ears blocked for Chelmsford

Chris Waller has made a key gear change to champion mare Winx ahead of Saturday's $250,000 Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes at Randwick. Waller's efforts aim to prevent a repeat of the star mare's bundled start a few weeks ago in the Warwick Stakes.

In a first, Winx will race with ear muffs over the 1600m journey. Barrier noise is a common factor that causes horses to get startled in the gates and remain in the stalls. Ear muffs reduce about 20% of a horse’s hearing, taking the edge off any loud sudden barrier noises.

Although racing with ear muffs is a first for Winx, it's not the first time she has worn them on the track. The super mare regularly wears muffs in the parade ring to filter the growing noise volume generated by the massive crowds that flock to see her oncourse. The only difference on Saturday is that the muffs stay on when she takes to the track.

Winx had the gear change applied at track work this morning and Bowman reported that she was as good as she has ever been.

Punters are certainly not phased by the situation, placing bets as big as $64,000 to win $3,840 at current odds of $1.06, the shortest price in her racing history.

Best backed to deny Winx 19 straight wins is Doomben Cup winner Sense Of Occasion at rank outsider odds of $21.

Mike Steward